When an individual experiences tightness in the chest with anxiety, it’s normal to conclude that there may be a problem with your heart. However, this is not usually the case. In fact, constant chest tightness from anxiety is one of the most typical symptoms of a panic attack.

This is true even with the mildest cases of this condition. Many people aren’t even aware that they may be suffering with anxiety attacks, but this is actually fairly common. Surprisingly, over 20 million individuals in America alone suffer with varying degrees of anxiety attacks, some to the point of disability.

This article will discuss the difference between chest pain due to anxiety and other heart conditions, the most common symptoms related to different types of chest pain, and some simple recommendations for what you can do to experience relief from these symptoms.

To start with, let me just say that chest pain of any type should be evaluated by a qualified doctor to rule out the possibility of a more serious health condition. With that said, are there certain ways you can know if your chest pain is being caused by a panic attack rather than a heart condition?

In general, the type of chest pain you will feel with a heart condition is more like someone is sitting on your chest. Doctors describe this as a “crushing” feeling.

Chest pain from a panic attack is usually described as a “tense” or “tight” sensation in the chest. Sometimes, the tightness in the chest will also be accompanied by a sensation that your heart is beating really intensely and fast, or like your heart is about to leap out of your chest.

Problems with the heart will also often lead to radiating pain. What that means is that you might also experience radiating pain or other sensations in your arm (typically the left arm), jaw, upper back, or neck. This isn’t true every time, but it is very typical with heart problems.

constant chest tightness from anxiety is only one of the symptoms you may experience with a panic attack. You may also have difficulty breathing, unrealistic fears, a fear of impending doom (feeling like you’re going to die), nervousness, a jittery sensation (like you have rushes of adrenaline), among others.

So, why would an individual experience tightness in the chest with anxiety? Well, what is happening is that your nervous system is actually exaggerating your reaction to stress.

Click here (constant chest tightness from anxiety) to continue reading this article, where you’ll learn more about the cause of tightness in the chest with anxiety, as well as the most effective treatments available for relief from this health condition.

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