Anxiety is no fun, and it can be brought on by all kinds of things. The more responsibilities you take on, the worse it gets. But you aren't alone in dealing with stress and anxiety, and that's something you can definitely take comfort in.
A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine stated that at least one in three Americans had suffered anxiety disorders in their lifetimes -- and it's worsening due to health care and financial burdens. A recent CNET survey shows that 93% of Americans are worried about inflation -- which may be adding to this anxiety pandemic.
Common anxiety symptoms include feeling restless, fatigued or irritable, but a panic or anxiety attack can cause more intense symptoms like nausea and increased heart rate and chest pain. According to another 2018 study, in 30% to 40% of patients seen in the emergency room for low-risk chest pain, anxiety is the cause. Telling the difference between a heart attack and chest pain caused by anxiety can be challenging, especially if you're in the midst of an anxiety attack.
Below, we break down how anxiety affects the body, as well as the difference between an anxiety attack and a heart attack. There are also tips for dealing with chest pain caused by anxiety.
Why does anxiety cause tightness in the chest?
Anxiety is our body's natural response to stress. When we experience fear, our autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response is activated to protect us. This response includes both brain and body changes. Our brains are flooded with adrenaline and cortisol, while physical changes include sweating, shortness of breath or tightening muscles. As muscles tense and your heart rate increases, you may begin to hyperventilate and contribute to chest pain.
What does anxiety chest pain feel like?
Chest pain is a common symptom of panic attacks. Tightness in the chest caused by anxiety can present in several ways. For some, the onset of chest discomfort may be gradual, while others may feel it very quickly.
Common descriptions of anxiety chest pain include:
Tightness or tension in the chest
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