Anxiety can cause physical symptoms likechest pain.
As a result, you may experience some physical symptoms like pain or tightness in your chest.
This article describes the symptoms and causes of chest pain in people with anxiety or panic attacks.
Verywell / Laura Porter
What Is Anxiety Chest Pain?
Chest pain is a common symptom of anxiety.
The pain is often sharp, fleeting, or causes a sudden catch that interrupts a breath.
Chest pain because of an anxiety or panic attack is not all in your head.
Where Does Anxiety Chest Pain Start?
Anxiety chest pain is often located in the center or left side of the chest.
How Does Anxiety Cause Chest Pain?
During moments of stress, your body releases the hormonescortisolandadrenaline, which trigger the fight or flight response.
The hormones are released in response to a threat, either real or perceived.
The sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure alone can trigger chest pain.
Hyperventilation during panic attacks can also contribute by placing extreme stress on theintercostal musclesof the chest wall.
On top of that, the fear you experience during an attack can further magnify the perception of pain.
If in doubt, dont take chances; seek emergency care.
Pain usually remains centered in the chest.
Chest pain is often described as sharp or stabbing.
There is often tingling or burning sensations in the hands and fingers.
Anxiety attacks can occur anytime and usually not during physical exertion.
Chest pain usually resolves within minutes or an hour.
Pain will often radiate to the shoulder blades, arm, jaw, and/or neck.
Chest pain is more crushing or squeezing than stabbing.
Heart attacks often occur after a physical strain or exertion.
Chest pain may come in waves but doesnt go away.
More often than not, chest pain is not sparked by something life-threatening.
Summary
Anxiety attacks or panic attacks can cause chest pain that mimics a heart attack.
2019;19(1):75. doi:10.1186/s12903-019-0763-z
Cedars Sinai Hospital.Is it a heart attack or a panic attack?
2021;8(1):1-7. doi:10.1177/2055102920987462
