Constant Chest Tightness From Anxiety – How to Differentiate Serious Heart Problems and Anxiety
When an individual experiences chest pain caused by anxiety, it’s easy to conclude that there may be something wrong with your heart. However, this is not usually the case. In fact, chest pain caused by anxiety is one of the most typical symptoms of a panic attack.
This is true even with the mildest cases of this problem. Many people aren’t even aware that they may be suffering with anxiety attacks, but this is actually fairly common. Surprisingly, over 20 million people in America alone live with varying degrees of anxiety attacks, some to the point of disability.
This article will discuss the difference between chest pain due to anxiety and other heart problems, the most common symptoms associated with different types of chest pain, and some simple recommendations for what you can do to experience relief from these symptoms.
To begin with, let me just say that chest pain of any type should be evaluated by a qualified physician to rule out the possibility of a more serious health problem. With that said, are there certain ways you can know if your chest pain is being caused by a panic attack instead of a heart problem?
In general, the type of chest pain you will feel with a heart problem is more like someone is sitting on your chest. Physicians describe this as a “crushing” sensation.
Chest pain from a panic attack is usually described as a “tense” or “tight” feeling in the chest. Sometimes, the tightness in the chest will also be accompanied by a feeling that your heart is beating really intensely and fast, or like your heart is about to leap out of your chest.
Problems with the heart will also often lead to radiating pain. What that means is that you might also experience radiating pain or other sensations in your arm (usually the left arm), jaw, upper back, or neck. This isn’t the case every time, but it is very typical with heart conditions.
chest pain caused by anxiety is only one of the symptoms you may experience with a panic attack. You may also have difficulty breathing, unrealistic fears, a fear of impending doom (feeling like you’re going to die), nervousness, a jittery feeling (like you have rushes of adrenaline), among others.
So, why would an individual experience tightness in the chest with anxiety? Well, what is occurring is that your nervous system is actually exaggerating your reaction to stress.
Click here (chest pain caused by anxiety) to continue reading this article, where you’ll discover more about the cause of chest pain caused by anxiety, as well as the most effective treatments available for relief from this health problem.