Can Anxiety Cause Chest Pain, Difference Between Stress

In my own perspective, chest pain is a significant symptom that your body system is having some problems. In fact, chest pain can be frightening and astonishing. The sharp chest pain tightening sensation is similar to that described in heart attack. The thought that it might be heart attack can increase stress chest pains. Almost every day, many people seek emergency treatment for chest pains that are unexplained. But the major causes of chest pain may not exactly be heart attacks, it could be several common factors among those affected, including stress at work, anxiety, depression and a sedentary lifestyle.

Chest pain is always being thought to be a heart attack. In fact, typical heart attack pain occurs in the mid to left side of the chest and may also extend to the left shoulder, the left arm, the jaw, the stomach, or the back. Having chest pain is a very horrifying and frightening experience that a person can have. It is sometimes difficult even for a doctor or other medical professional to tell what is causing chest pain and whether it is life-threatening. Based on my own experience, there are two things that come to mind when it comes to chest pain. The first is a pinched nerve. I had this happen because I would get a pinched nerve in the side of my ribcage and it would result in sudden sharp pains, almost like someone zapped me with an electric shock.

Basically, my doctor said it just would get better on it's own which is always lovely news. The other thing that comes to mind when I have chest pain is anxiety and stress. I used to have a mild anxiety problem and when this chest pain first occured, I knew nothing about what it was and basically I thought that I was encountering a "heart attack".

Difference Between Stress Chest Pain & Heart Attack Chest Pain

Stress Chest Pain

Heart Attack Chest Pain

- Sharp pain in the mid to left side of the chest
- Tightness in either the left or right chest
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal discomfort
- Heartburn

- Intense and Excruciating pain
- Shortness of breath or Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Abdominal pain
- Sweatiness
- Unexplained fatigue

I would experience the exact same thing, pain and shortness of breath. Sometimes the pain gets tight, and with each breath I inhale, the chest pain get sharper and tighter. There are many people who get worried too much when they suffered from chest pain, worse still, some even think that they are going to die. These people will usually call an ambulance or quickly rush to the nearest clinic to see a doctor. Of course, I would agree that seeing a doctor is the most clever choice. However, usually the doctor would examine your heart rate and ask you specifically on where is the chest pain position. They will then ask you whether you have any heart-related diseases or problems before which most people do not have such a problem.

Next, they would prescribe Aspirin or maybe a small dose of Xanax, which you can take only when you feel that way, or perhaps a once-a-day antidepressant with a very small dose. All these drugs are used to treat anxiety, stress and depression. Many people suffer from recurring bouts of chest pain over several years, while the healthcare services are unable to find out what's causing it. Hence, my point is that chest pain is usually related to stress build-up if you do not have any history of heart-related medical conditions.

If you are uncomfortable with medications and drugs, then the next most effective way to stop your chest pain is to have deep breathing and simply RELAX. You have to keep your mind clear of any rapid thoughts, perhaps read, watch a show, call a family member of friend to chat with, or indulge in something else that you enjoy. In my own experience, whenever I have a chest pain which is very tight and sharp until I've difficulty breathing, I would tell myself to calm down and start to take a very deep breath in and slowly exhale out. I would do this repetitively for at least 6 times and my chest pain will slowly vanish.

If you are experiencing chest pain every now and then and you do not have any heart-related medical conditions, then I am sure that you are suffering from stress chest pain. The only immediate self-help that you should do is to inhale a deep breath slowly and deeply and then exhale the air out pacefully.

Try this:

1. Relax, take a slow deep (as deep as you can) breath through your nose.

2. Hold for a few seconds.

3. Now breath out, *slowly*, through pursed lips.

This is an almost perfect and effective way to stop your stress chest pain immediately. Make sure after your chest pain has gone, you should continue to relax and continue doing deep breathing for another 5 minutes or so. Remember to relax your muscles and clear your mind of any negative and rapid thoughts.

Nonetheless, if your chest pain continues and you are experiencing it very often, you should immediately seek medical help by visiting a qualified doctor. The reason is that the doctor is much better person to differential between chest pain and heart attack efficiently.

Chest pain often has a negative impact on the sufferer's daily life in the form of tiredness, anxiety and fear of death. One of the main differences between women and men with unexplained chest pain is that men were more likely to perceive their lives and jobs as being stressful, while women tended more to suffer from symptoms of depressions and anxiety.

When compared with a reference group of people who were not suffering from heart disease, both men and women, experienced more symptoms of depression and anxiety, and work-related stress. From research, both the men and the women with unexplained chest pain led a more sedentary lifestyle. Hence, it is important that we exercise regularly, eat well, sleep well and approach life easily and happily. Our well-being serves a very important aspect of contributing to the overall good health of ourselves. We must conquer our stress by learning to take things easily.

Hence, the next time you experience unexplained and sudden chest pain, do not believe the chest pains indicate a serious health challenge as you may further tighten the muscles, increasing stress chest pains. Think positively! Learn to relax and start your deep breathing exercise. Inhale as deep as you can and then exhale out slowly and pacefully. Nonetheless, you must seek medical help immediately if your chest pain does not stop or become worse.