Understand Your Panic Patterns

No. No wearable can reliably detect or predict panic attacks. Sam shows you your Apple Health data: sleep, stress, heart rate, and activity, so you can track your own trends and patterns. If you think you're having a panic attack or experiencing chest pain for the first time, seek emergency medical care. A qualified doctor can evaluate your symptoms.

A raised heart rate has many causes: stress, caffeine, exercise, heat, illness, or anxiety. Sam helps you see what your typical resting heart rate is, so you can tell whether a spike is unusual for you. But if you're experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that feel new or concerning, do not wait to self-diagnose. Call emergency services or your doctor right away.

Both can involve sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat. This overlap is why early medical evaluation matters. A heart attack is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. A panic attack, while extremely distressing, is not immediately life-threatening. Because symptoms overlap, never assume chest pain is 'just' panic, especially the first time. Always seek emergency care if you're unsure. Your doctor can help you tell the difference once cardiac causes are ruled out.

Panic disorder is treatable through approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs, and lifestyle changes. The right treatment depends on your individual situation and is something to discuss in detail with your doctor or mental-health professional. They can recommend what's best for you.

If this is your first panic attack or your symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, or anything that feels medically urgent, call emergency services. Once cardiac and other medical causes have been ruled out by a doctor, grounding techniques (such as slow breathing or focusing on your senses) can help during an attack. A therapist or doctor can teach you specific coping strategies tailored to panic disorder.

Tracking sleep, stress, and activity can be useful for self-awareness and for sharing patterns with your doctor. However, tracking alone is not a treatment for panic disorder. Sam is a tool for understanding your own data and supporting your overall wellness routine. Real treatment typically involves working with a mental-health professional and, possibly, medication. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how to use data tracking as part of your care plan.