Anxiety Attack and Chest Pain

By Jaime Saunders

Because several of the symptoms of an anxiety attack (also called “panic attack”) are similar to those of a heart attack, the former is often mistaken for the latter. Chest pain is not necessarily a symptom of either event, but very often is, which is why so many people suffering panic attacks end up in the emergency room.

There are different types of chest pain, but not all of them are a symptom of heart attack. Indigestion pleurisy sore muscles, injured ribs, pinched nerves, angina and gall bladder or pancreas problems can also cause chest pain. The symptoms of some of these conditions can so perfectly mimic those of a heart attack, that only a doctor can determine the cause. Others have enough significant differences that you may not need to see a doctor.

The chest pain stemming from an anxiety attack falls into the latter category. If you know the differences in the symptoms of the two, it is highly likely you can determine on your own if you are having a heart attack or chest pains associated with anxiety attack.

Location of the chest pain is a good indicator of whether you are having a heart attack or anxiety attack. Chest pain from anxiety is located over the heart and is described as “sharp.” It increases with breathing in and out, and doesn’t usually last more than a few minutes. Applying pressure to the chest also makes the pain worsen. In heart attack, chest pain is located in the center of the chest, and usually endures for longer than 10 minutes. It is not affected by pressing on the chest and breathing is usually normal unless fear of heart attack or dying triggers a panic attack, causing hyperventilation.

Chest pain from heart attack feels like the chest is being squeezed or crushed, as if by an enormous weight or pressure is on it. It is more severe and longer lasting than chest pain from anxiety attack.

Anxiety attacks can cause chest pains because when one feels threatened, adrenaline is automatically released to prepare the body for flight. Adrenaline speeds up the heart and breathing rates and causes muscles to contract. You may experience heart palpitations as well. The chest pains felt during an anxiety attack may also be caused by the release of stomach acids and indigestion.

The symptoms of anxiety attack will positively respond to panic-control techniques. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises, switching the focus of thoughts to humorous or pleasant events or ideas, doing math problems or counting can all draw your attention away from the chest pain and other symptoms of panic attack, usually within a few minutes.

Fear of heart attack that is generated by chest pains from an anxiety attack can actually make anxiety symptoms worse. Understanding how anxiety attacks and chest pain work together and knowing the differences between anxiety chest pains and those caused by heart attack can save you from even more anxiety and unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

Did you know that every 8 seconds someone in the US has a panic attack? True! And sometimes I’m one of them! How about you?

I’ve had panic attacks that have lasted 30+ minutes, and was absolutely certain I was having a heart attack! I couldn’t breathe, I had chest and neck pains, my left arm hurt, yet at the same time was numb; how weird is that?. Although I still feel the symptoms of panic attack coming on, from time to time, I’ve learned how to take control of my thoughts and reactions, and have changed my lifestyle to drastically decrease the chances of panic attack. Click Here To find out Step-By-Step how I took control of my Anxiety and Finally Ended My Panic Attacks.

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