Darrick Robles Chest paincan have very different triggers. There is not always a purely physical cause behind it. In some cases, anxiety can go beyond the feeling of anxiety and cause physical symptoms such as pain or chest pressure.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
“It’s not always easy to tell the difference between anxiety-related chest pain and pain from aheart attackorangina. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there is a wide range ofpsychological and physical symptoms that can occur,” explains Dr. Roshaan Saloojee, general practitioner at Med-Healths.
Somepsychological symptoms of anxietyinclude:
- Panic or fears
- Strain
- racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Sweatingor hot flashes
- rapid heartbeat (orpalpitations) )
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness
- dry mouth
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
Why can anxiety disorders cause chest pain?
Fear is a natural reaction of our brain to dangerous situations. When you’re worried, scared, or stressed, your body puts you on alert and you go into“Fight or flight”Mode so you can react quickly to danger.
“This automatically triggers the Release of Stress Hormonessuch as adrenaline,” explains Dr. Saloojee. This, in turn, causesyour blood pressure to spike , your heart rate to increase, and your breathing to become rapid and shallow.
Like any other muscle, the harder your heart works, the more stress it puts on it. “Rapid heartbeat, cramps and chest pain due to muscle tension,” explains Dr.Saloojee. The lack of oxygen and increased heart rate can also cause symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath.
What does chest pain feel like when you are scared?
When it comes to the symptoms of anxiety, everyone’s experience is different. The same goes for chest pains that are triggered by fear. However, there are some typical patterns in how the pain feels and how long it lasts.
Chest pain due to anxiety can have the following symptoms:
- sharp or stabbing pain in the chest area
- Tightness
- Burn
- dull pain
- Twitching in the chest
In some people, the anxiety can escalate into a panic attack , which can cause severe chest pain along with emotional distress.
“Chest pain from anxiety tends to come on quickly and go away quickly,” explains Dr.Saloojee.You will usually feel much better after about 10 minutes. Some people feel chest pain for a while afterwards because the muscles are tightening.
How do you tell the difference between anxiety-related chest pain and a heart attack?
Anxiety-related chest pain can sometimes be mistaken for other serious conditions, such as a Heart Attack .
“Compared to anxiety-related pain, heart attack pain worsens with activity and lasts longer (more than 20 minutes),” explains Dr. Saloojee.
“Chest pain from a heart attackoften feels like a strong feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest. The pain can radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms, shoulders, back, and jaw. sweating, nausea,coughing or wheezing can also occur.
Over time, you may realize if your chest pain is due to anxiety. However, if you’re concerned that your chest pain has a more serious cause, you should definitely see a doctor.
What Helps Anxiety-Related Chest Pain?
If your chest pain is caused by anxiety, it’s best to treat the underlying cause.
1. Targeted breathing exercises
Through targeted breathing exercises, you can better manage fear, panic and stress. Practice breathing deeply and slowly, or try a special breathing exercise like diaphragmatic breathing. Deep inhaling and exhaling can help you control your breathing, lower your heart rate, and stop a panic attack before it gets worse.
2. Relaxation Techniques
Techniques like meditation, yoga, or visualizing a safe place can also help you calm down. They help reduce racing, anxious thoughts and relax the brain and body.
3. Regular exercise
Lifestyle changes have also been shown to help manage anxiety. Regular exercise can relieve muscle tension and release substances like serotonin that make you happier and more relaxed.
4. Pay attention to a healthy sleep
When should I get medical help?
“Chest pain should not be ignored,” warns Dr. Saloojee. If you have chest pain, it’s important to talk to your doctor, especially if it’s persistent and interfering with your daily life.
Even if you think your chest pain is caused by anxiety, it’s important to rule out a heart problem so you can get the right treatment. Your doctor will take a history of your symptoms and may do some simple tests like a blood test or an ECG.
If you can’t deal with your fears on your own, ask your doctor for advice. This is the first step in getting the right treatment and getting the problem under control.
