Anxiety is a secondary emotion that we all experience in response to situations of stress or danger. Its aim is precisely to prepare to face situations where it is necessary alert.
However, when anxiety becomes intense or chronic, it can manifest itself through a series of physical symptoms that can frighten those who feel them. One of these is the Anxiety chest paina symptom that is often mistaken for a heart problem, further increasing the person’s state of agitation.
Many people who suffer from anxiety attacks or panic attacks, in fact, report a sense of oppression to the chest, sometimes accompanied by breathing difficulties and tachycardia (Hamel et al., 2022; Mayou, 1998). These are symptoms that can lead us to immediately think about a heart attack or the presence of another cardiac condition but, in most cases, it is a physiological response linked to anxiety.
The goal of this article will be to provide information, based on scientific evidence, to understand, recognize and face pain in anxiety, distinguishing it from other more serious causes.
Sense of oppression to the chest and anxiety: why does it happen?
The pain in anxiety is born from the activation of different physiological mechanisms by the nervous system in response to one Alarm state perceived. When the brain interprets a situation as a potentially threatening, the body reacts through the trigger of a series of physiological changes with the aim of preparing to face the imminent danger.
Specifically, physiological mechanisms come into act, such as hyperventilation And muscle tension:
- During an anxiety episode, you can experience a feeling of oppression to the chest and short breath. This imbalance in oxygen levels and carbon dioxide in the blood can lead to developing sensations of stress vertiges, arts tingles and, above all, thoracic tension and intercostal pain
- Anxiety also brings a stiffening of the muscles, in particular those of the chest and diaphragm, causing a feeling of oppression and sternum pain.
Prolonged stress can lead to the development of muscle contractures in the intercostal area, causing acute and persistent pains. It is a phenomenon known as Intercostal stress pain And it can have a duration of hours or even days.
Since anxiety chest pain can be easily confused with a heart problem, it is important to highlight some main differences.
Pain in the chest for anxiety is manifested in situations of strong stress And it is often accompanied by short breath, tremors and dizziness. Its intensity is variable and can be tried pain when you breathe deeply or particular movements are implemented. This sense of oppression on chest and stomach It tends to attenuate with relaxation.
Cardiac pain, on the other hand, can arise during physical effort and does not improve with rest. Is usually associated with sweating, nausea And pain in the left arm And it can radiate to the back or jaw.
In the event that the oppression to the chest and the breath course should be persistent or were accompanied by symptoms such as fainting, cold sweating or irradiated pain, it is essential to immediately contact a doctor.
Symptoms of anxiety chest pain
This physical manifestation of anxiety can take different forms, depending on the individual response to stress. Some common symptoms are:
- sudden pit to the chest that last a few seconds
- thoracic oppression, often accompanied by breathing difficulties
- burning to the chest of anxiety, which can be confused with gastroesophageal reflux
These sensations are common in panic attacks. During an attack, in fact, it is frequent to feel a strong feeling of pressure on the chest, accompanied by lack of breath and by fear of suffocating. It is a symptom that can often be mistaken for a heart attack, further worsening the person’s anxiety.
The somatized anxiety to the stomach cause Gastroesophageal acidity and refluxwhich can manifest themselves with a retrostern burning, while the prolonged tension of the muscles of the abdomen is able to cause intercostal pains of stress, often located on the left or right side of the chest. Finally, some people report to perceive sensations of Electric shocks, tingling or chest pinsa sign of a hyperativated nervous system by anxiety.
How long does the pain in anxiety pain last?
When when The pain is linked to a panic attackgenerally lasts a few minutes and attends herself calming. In some cases, however, chronic muscle tension could cause chest pain and persist for days or weeks.
In cases where the pain should be constant, it intensifies with physical activity or is associated with other worrying symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor in order to exclude cardiac causes.
Strategies to relieve chest pain
There are different strategies to reduce anxiety chest pain and manage anxious states, such as:
- muscle relaxation and breathing techniques: Among these we find diaphragmatic breathing, which helps to regulate the heartbeat and reduce hyperventilation, as well as progressive muscle relaxation, useful for alleviating the accumulated tension.
- Therapeutic approaches effective, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps to recognize and modify the negative thoughts that feed anxiety, mindfulness and meditation
- Stress management through physical exercise and emotional regulation: regular physical activity reduces stress levels and improves psychophysical well -being, while the Emotional management techniques are essential to learn to recognize and regulate emotions and prevent episodes of intense anxiety.
IftWhen do you contact a doctor?
Without a doubt it is important distinguish the pain in anxiety from other medical causes to avoid alarmism or neglect any health problems. In cases where the pain is recurring or in association with other serious symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor.
As for chest pain as a consequence of anxiety, through the right strategies and psychological support, it is possible to manage it effectively and improve the quality of life.
