I've had a handful of panic attacks. They are very frightening. My first one was over my upcoming wedding at the time. It was my wake up call that I couldn't do it.
I got very dizzy and short of breath. I also did feel a tightening in my chest and some palpitations.
Unfortunately after breaking up with my fiance I had some more, man that sucked. Maybe that was the heartbreak thing, but I haven't had one for years.