Thank you for sharing so clearly â it sounds like youâve been through a very frightening experience. Panic and anxiety can feel almost identical to heart or stroke symptoms, which makes the fear stronger.
Your panic attacks seem to have been triggered after hearing about someone elseâs stroke. The palpitations, high BP spikes, headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and sleeplessness are consistent with anxiety, but since you already have fatty
liver and digestive issues, and because BP really went up at least once, itâs important not to ignore the physical side either. Alcohol may temporarily reduce fear but actually worsens anxiety, sleep, and liver health in the long run.
Next Steps
Medical check-up: Visit a physician/cardiologist to rule out heart/BP-related causes, especially since you noticed a spike. Take your BP readings log with you. Mental health consult: Meet a psychiatrist/psychologist for panic disorder evaluation. Panic attacks are treatable with therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes short-term medication. Lifestyle adjustments: Stop alcohol (especially with fatty
liver), practice regular sleep hygiene, and add light exercise and breathing routines. Emergency rule: If you get severe chest pain, weakness, slurred speech, or fainting â treat it as a medical emergency and seek immediate care.
Health Tips
Breathing exercise: Inhale 4 counts â hold 4 counts â exhale 6â8 counts. Repeat until the palpitations ease. Grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste â this interrupts panic spirals. Limit health checking: Checking BP too often can reinforce anxiety. Fix specific times if your doctor advises. Replace alcohol: Try chamomile tea, light stretching, or calming music before bed instead of alcohol.