Triathlon deaths may be due to panic attacks

Ironman competitors may want to learn some relaxation techniques; according to a story in the Washington Post, deaths that have occured during the swim portion of triathlons are likely due to panic attacks.

Many competitors have reported shortness of breath and anxiety during the swim, which often involves a throng of bodies kicking and hitting each other in an effort to make good time, according to the story.

This past summer, at least nine people in the U.S. died in a triathlon, the story says, all but one in the swim portion.

For more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/deaths-in-triathlons-may-not-be-so-mysterious-panic-attacks-may-be-to-blame/2011/10/24/gIQA70NrKN_story.html