When a person has constant chest tightness from anxiety, it’s easy to conclude that there may be something wrong with your heart. However, this is not often the case. In fact, constant chest tightness from anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of a panic attack.
This is true even with the mildest cases of this condition. Many individuals aren’t even aware that they may be suffering with panic attacks, but this is actually fairly common. Surprisingly, over 20 million individuals in America alone live with varying degrees of panic attacks, some to the point of disability.
This article will cover the difference between chest pain due to stress and other heart conditions, 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 start 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 condition. 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 condition?
In general, the type of chest pain you will feel with a heart condition is more like someone is sitting on your chest. Physicians describe this as a “crushing” feeling.
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 usually lead to radiating symptoms. What that means is that you might also experience traveling pain or other sensations in your arm (usually the left arm), jaw, upper back, or neck. This isn’t true every time, but it is very typical with heart problems.
constant chest tightness from anxiety is only one of the symptoms you may feel 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 a person feel tightness in the chest with anxiety? Well, what is happening is that your nervous system is actually exaggerating your reaction to stress.
Click here (constant chest tightness from anxiety) to continue reading this article, where you’ll learn more about the cause of constant chest tightness from anxiety, as well as the most effective treatments available for relief from this health condition.