How Does Anxiety Feel In Your Chest

Can Stress Cause Chest Pain During Panic Attacks

Your bodys stress responses are activated during a panic attack. These are also known as your fight or flight responses.

Contraction of your muscles is one of these stress responses. Your body does this to protect you from danger, as the tension makes you more resilient. This stiffness in your chest wall muscles and nearby areas can cause chest pain both during and after panic attacks.

Another stress response that can be activated during a panic attack is hyperventilation, where you over-breathe as your body believes it is going to have to move fast. This can cause you to use your chest muscles to expand your rib cage, causing chest pain when your muscles become tired. This hyperventilation can then cause carbon dioxide levels in your blood to decrease, another factor that can lead to chest pain as well as tingling, dizziness, numbness and a dry mouth.

Stomach and digestive functions also alter during a fight or flight response and it is possible for problems with these functions to be experienced as chest pain or tightness.

Treatment For Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety

Treatment for anxiety depends on what symptoms you have and how severe they are.

Therapy and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety. If you experience physical symptoms, talk therapy or medication that improves your anxiety often leads to improvement of these symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common and effective therapy options for anxiety.

You may find that therapy on its own is helpful. But if your symptoms dont improve, anxiety medication is an option you can discuss with a psychiatrist.

You can also take action on your own to address anxiety symptoms.

When Should You See A Doctor For Chest Tightness

• If you are experiencing chest pain for the first time

• If your chest becomes tighter or more painful

• If there are changes in your chest pain

• If you develop other symptoms besides chest tightness

• If you experience heaviness, discomfort, or pain in your chest that lasts more than 10 minutes

Chest tightness that is severe or chronic shouldnt be ignored. If you have any health conditions that place you at increased risk of heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, or obesity, then youre at a higher risk of having a heart attack.

Even if you believe your chest pain is caused by anxiety, it is important to still seek help to ensure that this is the correct diagnosis. If this diagnosis is confirmed, then you can work with your doctor on a treatment plan for your anxiety/panic disorder.

Recommended Reading: Is Twitching A Sign Of Anxiety

Is It A Heart Attack Or Panic Attack

Its always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. So if you cant tell if youre having a heart attack or panic attack, seek medical attention right away.

If youre in the Gonzales, LA area, stop by Coastal Urgent Care of Gonzales to get checked out. Were open 7 days a week from 9 am to 8 pm to address your medical needs, so contact us any time.

Chest Tightness Due To Anxiety: Symptoms Causes And Solutions To Relieve It

• Chest tightness is a real, common physical symptom of anxiety
• It is more common in some types of anxiety than others
• Breathing exercises have a direct effect on chest tightness, although it may not address all the different causes
• It is not uncommon for chest tightness from anxiety to trigger further anxiety, especially in those with health fears
• How you address the tightness has to do with its cause. However, all anxiety related chest tightness will decrease if a person learns to manage their anxiety

Read Also: How Do You Know You Have Bad Anxiety

Heartburn Or Bloating Or Gas

Stress and anxiety have diverse impacts on the human body, particularly digestion, by causing pressure on the gut and changing digestion patterns. Such impacts may cause bloating and, to some individuals, can cause chest pressure. This pressure normally causes victims to complain about chest tightness or pain. If the typical digestive pattern is altered, you may experience heartburn or gas, putting much stress on the lower esophagus. These irritating moments increase due to much-formed stomach acid, an impact that damps around the lower chest. In other words, its just a misinterpretation, not chest tightness or pain, all because of the abnormal digestive pattern.

Different Types Of Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders fall into several categories. Here are a few of them:

• Panic disorder can be associated with cardiac disease or mistaken for heart attack. Feelings of extreme agitation and terror are often accompanied by dizziness, chest pains, stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder a condition that can follow a shocking or frightening incident or sudden, life-threatening event such as a violent crime, major accident, or heart attack. A person suffering from PTSD often has trouble dealing with anything associated with the incident that caused their condition, and experiences feelings of jitteriness and detachment.
• Obsessive-Compulsive disorder People with OCD will manage unreasonable thoughts and worries by performing the same actions over and over. For example, an individual obsessed with perceived cardiovascular symptoms that have been checked and cleared by a physician may compulsively research them or find new ones for hours on end.

Don’t Miss: What Does Anxiety Stomach Pain Feel Like

What Are The Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety

Anxiety feels different for everyone and can affect our bodies in different ways. These are some of the physical symptoms of anxiety you might experience:

• faster, shallower breathing
• tightness or pain in the chest
• pins and needles in toes or fingers
• feeling faint or dizzy
• fast, thumping or irregular heartbeat
• raised blood pressure
• needing the toilet more frequently
• churning in the pit of the stomach.

When To See A Doctor

Even if you suffer from anxiety, chest pain shouldnt be ignored.

If you are experiencing persistent chest pain, seek medical advice to pinpoint the cause and rule out a heart problem, like coronary artery disease.

It may just be anxiety-related chest pain, but its always better to be sure. Both anxiety-related chest pain and heart conditions are treatable with the proper healthcare.

If anxiety and its symptoms are impacting your quality of life, a therapist and/or doctor can suggest therapy or prescribe medication to help get your anxiety under control.

This medical care can be life-changing by helping get symptomsincluding chest painto subside.

Recommended Reading: How To Cure Anxiety At Night

What Does Anxiety Feel Like Physically

The physical symptoms of anxiety are often the first sign of an underlying problem. You may have experienced these symptoms before without realizing what they were caused by.

If you notice any new or worsening physical symptoms, talk with your doctor about what they could mean for your health.

In this article, we will explore the physical symptoms of anxiety and why they happen.

Read on to learn more about this condition that many people experience but few understand well enough!

Is it a heart attack or anxiety?

Chest pain is always alarming. Most of us associate it with cardiac conditions such as angina or myocardial infarction .

But chest pain can be caused by myriad conditions that have nothing to do with the heart. One common cause is an anxiety attack.

This article lays out the impact of anxiety attacks, how they cause chest pain, and what to expect when you see your healthcare provider with anxiety-related chest pain.

Verywell / Laura Porter

Read Also: Can Anxiety Cause Right Bundle Branch Block

Am I Having A Heart Attack

Its always better to be safe rather than sorry when your heart is involved. But chances are that your terrible feelings are not those of a heart attack, but of a panic attack instead.

Approximately one quarter of patients who go to the emergency room for treatment of chest pain have panic disorder, says psychiatrist Many of these patients are young women, among whom panic disorders are more common and heart disease is rare.

Chest pain is a symptom that can accompany panic attacks. But panic disorder is often unrecognized and untreated among young women with chest pain.

Don’t Miss: Can Depression And Anxiety Cause Seizures

What Does Chest Tightness Caused By Anxiety Feel Like

There are different ways to describe chest tightness that is caused by anxiety. For some people, it may simply feel as though they have pulled a muscle in their chest. For others, it may feel like:

• A dull and constant ache

• A sharp, cramping, shooting pain

• A burning feeling deep in the chest

• An uncontrollable muscle twitch

• A numb sensation

Chest tightness is more likely to occur when anxiety or stress comes on suddenly rather than building gradually.

If you are experiencing any chest pain for the first time, you should immediately seek professional medical help to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How To Relieve Some Of The Chest Pressure

I did some editing, but did not add content. More ways to relieve chest pressure exist and should be added.

Depending on the cause of the chest pressure there are things that can be done to potentially provide some relief.

When the chest pressure is caused by bloating due to hyperventilation, burping can relieve some of the discomfort. Also shifting positions may alleviate some pressure or at least make it easier to belch.

Those who feel as though their heart is being squeezed may need to focus on ways to reduce hyperventilation. Taking slower, more steady breaths can ease hyperventilation.

After the chest pressure has dissolved, you’ll need to make sure that you’re taking steps to prevent anxiety, and ultimately prevent hyperventilation and panic attacks.

Was this article helpful?

Recommended Reading: How I Overcame Social Anxiety

What Can You Do To Relieve Chest Tightness Caused By Anxiety

When anxiety is the main cause of your chest tightness, the most effective solution is to treat the underlying anxiety. Various treatment options are available for working through anxiety. These techniques may not work for you in every situation, but they are good tools to have on hand to try at any given time.

1. Breathing exercises

Have you ever noticed when you feel anxious that your body can tense up? This tension can affect your breathing you might find yourself holding your breath, or your breathing rate might increase.

Calming breathing techniques can be done anywhere and only require a few minutes to be carried out. It can be helpful to set aside time to really work on breathing deeply, in through your nose for 5 seconds and exhaling out through your mouth for 5 seconds.

To optimize the exercise, try and let the air flow deep into and out of your lungs. This process helps to slow the rate of breathing.

You may also feel tightness in particular parts of your body perhaps the muscles around your neck feel stiff. Incorporating some gentle stretches and rotations can help bring movement back into your muscles.

2. Follow the 3-3-3 rule

The 3-3-3 rule is a trick used by some people to help manage the anxiety causing their physical symptoms. The first trick to applying the 3-3-3 rule is when you feel the anxiety coming on, you must be able to stop and acknowledge the feeling. Then comes the 3-3-3 strategy:

3. Use a smartphone app

4. Limit alcohol and smoking

Is My Chest Pain Being Caused By Anxiety Or A Heart Attack

Symptoms like chest tightness and pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat can be common symptoms of anxiety, but these symptoms also overlap with indicators of something more serious: a heart attack.

So, how can you tell the difference, and how will you know if you actually need to call your doctor?

A heart attack occurs when part of your heart is not receiving enough blood, typically because an artery has become blocked.

Common symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pressure and pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sense of impending doom

Evidently, many of these symptoms are also common symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, but there are some main differences:

• Pain location: If you are experiencing anxiety or a panic attack, your chest pain will typically stay in that location. With a heart attack, however, the pain can radiate to other areas of the body, like your arms, shoulders, and back.

• What your chest pain feels like: If you are experiencing anxiety or a panic attack, the chest pain will often feel sharp and stabbing, or the discomfort may be difficult to describe. With a heart attack, the pain tends to be a squeezing feeling, feeling like there is a weight on your chest, an aching or burning sensation, and chest pressure.

Anxiety is a treatable problem, and research shows that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication management can help reduce anxiety symptoms and help people feel better long-term.

Recommended Reading: How To Stop Hand Tremors From Anxiety

Can Meditation Make Anxiety Worse

Initially, it may do just that. British researchersreported that over 25% of more than 1,200 study subjects said they felt more anxiety when they meditated. If you do too, dont worry it actually means your practice is working.

When someone begins a meditation practice, their level of awareness increases, explains Dr. Fisher. They may become aware of thoughts, feelings, and sensations that were beneath their conscious awareness. Some of these might be frightening or disturbing, including past memories or emotional pain that have been bottled up. This phenomenon is known as backdraft, because when the subconscious mind is exposed to the initial oxygen of awareness, a tiny spark may become an emotional or mental fire. Simply being aware this can happen is an important step. Someone with a past history of trauma or unresolved emotions might want to seek help from an expert prior to jumping into the deep end of meditation. This is important consult with your therapist if you have one, so you will be prepared if you want to try to practice.

Can Anxiety Cause Left Breast Pain

Below your breast are chest wall muscles. They may spasm when youre anxious or stressed. That can cause pain that lasts for a few seconds or several days.

Why does the left side of my chest hurt?

Left-sided chest pain can be due to a heart attack or other life-threatening condition for which every minute matters. Call your local emergency services if you or someone near you has unexplained left-sided or center chest pain along with: feeling of pressure or tightening of the chest.

Can stress cause chest pain for days?

Anxiety-related chest pain can be severe and frightening. The pain is often sharp, fleeting, or a sudden catch that interrupts a breath. Youre most likely feeling chest wall pain caused by intense muscle contractions. They can leave your chest hurting for hours or days after the attack.

Recommended Reading: When To Know You Need Anxiety Medication

Why Does My Heart Hurt After A Scare

If you have ever felt dizzy and apprehensive after a scary episode, you may have been suffering from a heart attack. If this happens, you should get help immediately. A heart attack can happen unexpectedly and without warning. While it is best to seek medical attention immediately, there are some things you can do to help your heart recover.

What Part Of Your Chest Hurts With Anxiety

Anxiety can cause a range of physical symptoms, including chest pain. This pain can feel like anything from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation.

The exact location of the pain may also vary, depending on the individual. For some people, the pain is centered in the middle of the chest, while for others it may be felt more on one side or the other.

In some cases, anxiety-related chest pain may even radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw.

While the exact cause of this symptom is not always clear, it is thought to be due to increased muscle tension and rapid breathing.

If you are experiencing chest pain along with other anxiety symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any other potential causes.

Read also: How To Overcome Social Anxiety

You May Like: What Can Help A Child With Anxiety

When To Seek Help

Chest pain can be alarming, and it is rightfully so. Its a sign of a severe condition that can lead to death, like a heart attack. The key is to determine when the chest pain is caused by anxiety and when it is a heart attack symptom.

Anyone who experiences chest pains should seek medical help right away. While anxiety chest tightness may not be life-threatening, it is best to seek medical help to be properly diagnosed just to be sure.

The Effect Of Anxiety On The Heart

When someone is anxious, their body reacts in ways that can put an extra strain on their heart. The physical symptoms of anxiety can be especially damaging among individuals with existing cardiac disease.

Anxiety may have an association with the following heart disorders and cardiac risk factors:

• Rapid heart rate In serious cases, can interfere with normal heart function and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
• Increased blood pressure If chronic, can lead to coronary disease, weakening of the heart muscle, and heart failure.
• May result in higher incidence of death after an acute heart attack.

Also Check: What Does Postpartum Anxiety Feel Like

Should You See Your Doctor About Panic Attacks

A panic attack can make you feel like youre about to collapse or even die, but it’s usually harmless. However, in some cases, you may need medical advice to rule out an underlying physical cause.

Get medical advice if:

• your panic attack continues after doing 20 minutes of slow breathing
• you still feel unwell after your breathing returns to normal
• you still have a rapid or irregular heartbeat or chest pains after your panic attack
• you regularly have panic attacks, as this could be a sign that you have panic disorder