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Evidence Based
Updated on:
29.08.2025
7 min read
Usually a worrying sign, sudden chest discomfort is linked to cardiac issues, including heart attacks. But it can also be brought on by other illnesses, such as panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder.
Seeing a doctor is crucial if you have chest discomfort because of the perceived danger of a heart attack. It’s crucial to distinguish between anxiety and heart-related chest discomfort, though, if you suffer from panic or anxiety disorders. You will be better able to identify the symptoms and manage them if you have this knowledge.
Note: Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention right away if you have excruciating or ongoing chest discomfort.
According to research, between 30% and 50% of occurrences of chest discomfort that are not connected to cardiac problems are thought to be associated with anxiety disorders.
More people than previously believed have anxiety-related chest discomfort. A research study found that 25% of patients who arrived at the ER with chest discomfort seemed to have a panic condition. According to a 2019 study, 28.5% of patients who experience anxiety episodes also have chest discomfort.
Chest discomfort brought on by anxiety can take many different forms. The chest may feel constricted, as though something is pressing down on it. Some say it feels like a squeezing sensation or like a heavy weight on the chest. Stress hormones are released as a result of the body’s stress reaction, and this kind of chest discomfort might impact the cardiovascular system.
Others could have stabby or jagged aches. Additionally, the discomfort may extend to the neck, arms, back, or jaw, which may mimic heart attack symptoms. It’s important to remember, though, that anxiety-related chest discomfort is often transient and frequently brought on by elevated stress or worry.
Sharp chest discomfort and anxiety are related because of the brain’s and the body’s defense mechanisms. Your body often reacts to perceived stressors, whether they are imagined or real, by becoming anxious. Stress chemicals in the body put you in a fight-or-flight response, preparing you to either flee or engage in combat with the perceived threat. Acute chest discomfort can be brought on by several physiological mechanisms connected to this reaction. These consist of:
One of the signs of a panic attack is chest discomfort, although it can also be brought on by another anxiety illness. Pain in the chest might come on gradually or all at once. However, abrupt panic episodes or extended periods of extreme worry are more likely to cause chest discomfort. It’s critical to keep an eye out for further anxiety symptoms, like:
Although the symptoms of a heart attack and anxiety-related chest discomfort may seem quite similar, they are really different.
| Aspect | Anxiety-related chest discomfort | Heart attack-related chest discomfort |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Usually in the center of the chest, staying in one place. | Often in the middle or left side of the chest, spreading to the jaw, arm, or neck. |
| Pain pattern | Periodic or continuous, acute, sharp, or painful. | The feeling of tightness, pressure, and squeezing, often persistent. |
| Duration | shorter in length. typically lasts ten to thirty minutes. | might go on for a few hours. |
| Triggers | Anxiety attack, panic attack, or stress. | Physical exertion can occasionally occur when at rest. |
| Associated symptoms | agitation, lightheadedness, and hyperventilation. | dyspnea, nausea, and sweating. |
| Relief | Usually improves with relaxation or rest. | Rest usually doesn’t relieve it. |
The above-mentioned comparison is general and cannot replace a consultation with a medical doctor. Consult your clinician if you have disturbing symptoms and suspect heart problems.
You can use some of the following strategies if, after speaking with your healthcare professional, you have determined that your chest discomfort is an indication of acute anxiety.
Breathing deeply and intently might help you relax both mentally and physically. By lowering anxiety and panic, deep diaphragmatic breathing helps you manage anxiety-related chest discomfort by slowing your heart rate and breathing.
Journaling and meditation can help you de-stress and quiet down your racing thoughts. You may manage unpleasant events that you cannot prevent by using positive imagery. You may utilize various applications, many of which are free, that provide on-demand audio explanations of exercises in addition to self-led meditations.
In addition to lowering the risk of chest discomfort, physical exercise has been found to reduce anxiety or even avoid its attacks. Regular exercise can also improve serotonin levels, reduce muscular tension, and divert your thoughts.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are associated with sleep deprivation. To maintain optimal performance, good health, and a decrease in anxiety symptoms, you should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Although research indicates that these medications exacerbate anxiety episodes, they may seem to have a calming effect. Once you start cutting back on your consumption, you might start by monitoring your anxiety levels.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have chest discomfort, particularly if:
It is quite likely that anxiety or panic episodes are the source of your chest discomfort if they are accompanied by anxiety symptoms. However, if you have anxiety related to any medical or psychological issues, it is imperative that you consult a healthcare professional.
If you receive a diagnosis of anxiety, it’s also critical to receive treatment.
Chest discomfort might get worse under stress. Our bodies release chemicals in response to stress, worry, or panic that can raise heart rate and blood pressure as well as induce muscular tension, especially in the chest muscles. Chest pain or discomfort may result from this.
Some people may have everyday chest discomfort as a result of their worry. Persistent physiological responses and persistent muscular tension brought on by stress and anxiety may be the cause of this recurrent chest pain. But it's important to distinguish anxiety-related chest discomfort from other possible illnesses.
Persistent dread and chest discomfort might be caused by ongoing stress, unresolved emotional problems, or frequent anxiety triggers. But keep in mind that heart issues might be the source of persistent chest pain, so think about seeing a doctor.
Even while chronic stress and worry can result in chest discomfort, it's important to keep an eye on how long it lasts, how severe it is, and to get medical help to rule out other possible reasons and guarantee appropriate treatment.