DON'T TRUST DR. GOOGLE, if in doubt call 911 or consult a healthcare professional
Chest pain can have many causes, and is not just the result of a heart problem. It can be difficult to distinguish between a heart attack and a panic attack, especially if you have never experienced either condition.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
It is very common to suffer from stress or anxietyanxiety many people can experience this feeling at some point in their lives. But for some, anxiety can lead to more than feelings of fear and worry and cause physical symptoms, such as chest pain.
It's not always easy to tell the difference between chest pain related to stress or anxiety and pain caused by a heart attack or angina. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there are a wide range of psychological and physical symptoms you may experience.
Psychological symptoms of anxiety can be:
nervousness;
untimely and uncontrollable thoughts;
trouble concentrating;
irritability.
Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:
tremors;
a excessive sweating or hot flashes;
fast heartbeat, palpitations;
chest pain or tightness;
feeling of suffocation;
a feeling of dizziness or dizziness;
shortness of breath;
dry mouth;
stomach aches;
a feeling of being unwell.
Can stress and anxiety cause chest pain?
Anxiety is our brain's normal reaction to real or imagined danger. When we are worried or stressed, the body triggers the "fight-flight" reflex: an automatic response that prepares us to face or, on the contrary, flee from danger.
The fight-flight response releases stress hormones such as adrenaline: blood pressure rises, the heart rate accelerates and breathing becomes rapid and shallow.
As the heart is a muscle, the muscular tension caused by this acceleration of the pulse can lead to palpitations, spasms and chest pain. The lack of oxygen and accelerated heart rate can also cause other symptoms, such as dizziness and shortness of breath.
How to recognize chest pain due to stress or anxiety?
Symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person. However, there are different criteria for recognizing anxiety-related chest pain.
You can feel:
a sharp or stabbing pain localized in the chest;
a feeling of tightness or burning;
a dull pain;
contractions in the chest.
Anxiety can sometimes escalate in some people and turn into a full-blown panic attack, causing intense chest pain and emotional distress.
Anxiety-related chest pain usually comes and goes relatively quickly: it lasts about ten minutes. You may also feel aches from muscle contractions.
What is the difference between anxiety-related chest pain and a heart attack?
Chest pains from heart attack differ from those caused by anxiety in that they get worse with movement and last longer (at least 20 minutes).
Chest pain from a heart attack often feels like a choking sensation and intense pressure on the chest. It can spread to other parts of the body, such as the arms, shoulders, back, and jaw. You may also experience sweating, nausea , coughing or wheezing.
If you suddenly have chest pain and are afraid that your chest pain is serious, do not hesitate to consult a doctor quickly. DON'T TRUST DR. GOOGLE. You risk misinforming yourself and wasting precious time reacting (if it really is a heart attack).
In summary, panic Attack VS Heart Attack
How osteopathy and massage therapy can help anxiety attacks.
By helping to reduce muscular tension and freeing the diaphragm, you will regain freedom of movement in the thoracic cavity, thereby reducing the feeling of tightness in the chest.
How to calm anxious chest pain at home?
Treatment for chest pain will depend primarily on what is causing it. In case of chest pain caused by anxiety, there are many simple methods to put in place to relax and make the anxiety go away.
1. Breathing exercises
Get into the habit of breathing slowly and deeply, or try a specific breathing exercise, such as the diaphragmatic breathing. Deep breathing can help reduce stress, slow your heart rate, and control an anxiety attack before it gets worse.
2. Relaxation Techniques
Techniques like meditation or visualization can also help calm you down by slowing down anxious thoughts and relaxing the brain and body.
3. Sports activity
Lifestyle changes have also been shown to help manage anxiety. Regular exercise can reduce muscle tension and release chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins, which are known to relieve stress and anxiety.
4. Quality sleep
Sufficient, good-quality sleep can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety: try to establish a regular bedtime and sleep routine between 7 and 9 hours a night. Reduce the use of electronic devices at least 60 minutes before going to bed.
When to consult for chest pain?
In the event of sudden, intense pain, tightness in the chest lasting more than 5 minutes and not yielding to rest, it is advisable to call the medical service of emergency as soon as possible by dialing 911 or going to the nearest medical center (hospital, emergency, CLSC, clinic)
If your anxiety gets too much to handle, there are treatments to help. A general practitioner can refer you to a specialist for appropriate care.
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