Q. Can anxiety or stress cause chest pain, and how can I tell if my chest pain is due to a panic attack rather than a heart issue?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Absolutely, anxiety and stress can indeed cause chest pain. It's a common symptom during panic attacks, and it can feel very similar to heart-related pain, which understandably can be quite frightening. Here’s how you can differentiate:
How Anxiety or Stress Causes Chest Pain
When you're anxious or stressed, your body enters a "fight or flight" mode. This response can cause your muscles, including those in your chest, to tense up. Additionally, rapid breathing, which often accompanies anxiety, can lead to chest tightness and discomfort.
Differentiating Panic Attack Chest Pain from Heart Issues
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Nature of the Pain: Panic attack-related chest pain often feels sharp, stabbing, or like a tight band around your chest. It tends to come on suddenly, usually peaking within 10 minutes, and might be accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of impending doom.
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Location and Duration: While heart-related chest pain (such as from angina) is often more of a pressure or squeezing sensation, typically felt in the center of the chest, and might radiate to the arm, jaw, or back, it usually lasts longer and occurs with physical exertion or stress.
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Response to Movement: Panic attack chest pain might not change much with movement or breathing, whereas heart-related pain may worsen with physical activity.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Even though panic attacks are common and treatable, it’s crucial not to dismiss chest pain. If you’re ever in doubt, or if the pain is new, severe, or accompanied by symptoms like sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to other parts of your body, it’s always safer to seek immediate medical attention. Better to rule out a heart issue than to assume it’s just anxiety.
Remember, your health and peace of mind are important, so don't hesitate to consult a cardiologist if you’re experiencing chest pain.