Can Anxiety Cause Chest Pain?

By We Level Up WA | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

When your heart races and your chest tightens during moments of stress, you might wonder if something serious is happening. For many people living with anxiety, chest pain is a frightening but common symptom that can mimic more serious conditions. Understanding the relationship between your mental health and physical symptoms is crucial for proper treatment and peace of mind.

This guide will explore how anxiety triggers chest pain, how to identify it, and most importantly, what effective treatment options are available to help you regain control of your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re experiencing these symptoms yourself or supporting someone who is, understanding this connection can make all the difference in finding the right path forward.

Understanding Anxiety and Chest Pain

Anxiety-induced chest pain is a physical symptom triggered by psychological stress. It’s your body’s response to perceived threats—even when those threats aren’t physically present. This mind-body connection is powerful, and for many people with anxiety disorders, chest pain becomes one of the most distressing physical manifestations of their condition.

Research suggests that almost 80% of people experiencing a panic attack experience chest pain. Even more striking, studies show that approximately 25% of patients who go to emergency rooms for chest pain are ultimately diagnosed with anxiety-related conditions rather than cardiac issues. This overlap creates significant challenges for both patients and healthcare providers.

The experience varies widely from person to person. Some describe it as a dull ache that persists throughout the day, while others report sharp, stabbing sensations that come and go with anxiety spikes. What makes this symptom particularly troubling is how closely it can resemble the warning signs of serious cardiac conditions.

The relationship between anxiety and chest pain often creates a vicious cycle: experiencing chest pain causes more anxiety, which in turn worsens the physical symptoms. Breaking this cycle requires addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects simultaneously—something our integrated treatment approach is specifically designed to accomplish.

How Anxiety Causes Chest Pain

When anxiety strikes, your body activates its fight-or-flight response, an ancient survival mechanism designed to protect you from danger. This triggers a cascade of physiological changes that directly affect your chest and surrounding areas.

First, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause your heart to beat faster and stronger, increasing blood flow to your muscles. This rapid heartbeat can sometimes be felt as pounding or fluttering in your chest. For some people, this sensation alone can be interpreted as pain or discomfort.

Muscle tension is another major contributor to anxiety-related chest pain. During periods of stress, the muscles in your chest wall and between your ribs tighten involuntarily. This tension can persist for hours or even days during prolonged anxiety, leading to soreness, aching, or sharp pains across the chest region.

Hyperventilation, which is rapid, shallow breathing that often accompanies anxiety, also plays a significant role. When you breathe too quickly, you exhale too much carbon dioxide, which changes your blood chemistry and can cause symptoms like chest tightness, numbness, and tingling sensations. Many people unconsciously hyperventilate during anxiety episodes without realizing it.

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Symptoms of Anxiety-Related Chest Pain

Anxiety-related chest pain rarely appears in isolation. Instead, it typically comes with other physical symptoms, including:

It’s worth noting that anxiety chest pain can occur even when you don’t feel mentally anxious. Your body can react to stress even when your mind isn’t consciously aware of it, especially if you’ve been under prolonged pressure or have developed habitual stress responses. This is why comprehensive treatment addresses both the conscious and unconscious aspects of anxiety.

Differentiating Anxiety Chest Pain from Other Causes

Heart problems are another cause for chest pain, and they can be life-threatening. The pain from anxiety differs from heart-related pain in several key ways. Anxiety chest pain typically:

• Changes in intensity with body position or breathing
• May last for hours or come and go throughout the day
• Often feels sharp or stabbing rather than crushing
• Frequently accompanies other anxiety symptoms like dizziness or fear

Despite these differences, it’s crucial to note that distinguishing between anxiety-related chest pain and cardiac issues can be challenging even for medical professionals. That’s why at We Level Up Washington, we always recommend proper medical evaluation for new or severe chest pain, even if you have a history of anxiety. Your physical and mental health deserve equal attention and care.

Another common cause is heartburn. This can also be challenging to distinguish from heart problems and anxiety.

Anxiety Statistics

It’s critical to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. Anxiety, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worry, whereas depression, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. It is conceivable for someone to experience depression and anxiety simultaneously.

Treatment Options for Anxiety-Related Chest Pain at We Level Up Washington

At We Level Up Washington, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approaches specifically designed to address both the psychological roots of anxiety and its physical manifestations, like chest pain. Our integrated care model ensures you receive the most effective interventions tailored to your unique needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) forms the cornerstone of our anxiety treatment program. This proven therapeutic approach helps you identify and challenge the thought patterns that fuel anxiety while developing healthier responses to stress triggers. 

For chest pain specifically, CBT helps break the cycle of catastrophic thinking (“This pain means I’m having a heart attack”) that often intensifies both anxiety and physical symptoms.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques provide powerful tools for immediate symptom management. Our holistic therapy program includes training in:

• Diaphragmatic breathing to counter hyperventilation
• Progressive muscle relaxation to reduce chest wall tension
• Mindfulness meditation to decrease overall stress reactivity
• Guided imagery for pain management and anxiety reduction

These practices not only provide relief during acute episodes but also help rewire your nervous system’s response to stress over time.

For many clients, medication management plays an important role in treatment. Our psychiatric team can evaluate whether anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or other pharmacological approaches might benefit your recovery. We carefully consider your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals when making medication recommendations, ensuring the safest and most effective approach.

Throughout your journey with us, your care plan evolves based on your progress and changing needs. Our team regularly reassesses your symptoms, adjusts interventions accordingly, and works collaboratively with you to ensure you’re moving toward your wellness goals.

Steps to Take When Experiencing Chest Pain

When chest pain strikes, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in both your immediate comfort and long-term health. While anxiety-related chest pain isn’t dangerous, it’s important to approach any chest pain with appropriate caution.

First, try these immediate calming techniques:

• Focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose for a count of four, holding briefly, and exhaling through your mouth for a count of six. This pattern helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, countering the fight-or-flight response.
• Perform a quick body scan. Notice where you’re holding tension, often in the shoulders, jaw, and chest, and consciously relax these areas.
• Ground yourself by identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This mindfulness exercise helps redirect attention away from anxious thoughts.

While managing the immediate symptoms, take a moment to assess the situation. Ask yourself:

• Did this pain begin during or shortly after a stressful event?
• Have I experienced similar pain during anxiety episodes before?
• Am I also experiencing other anxiety symptoms like worry, fear, or racing thoughts?
• Does the pain change when I shift positions or take deep breaths?

If your chest pain is severe, accompanied by shortness of breath, jaw or arm pain, nausea, or dizziness—or if you have risk factors for heart disease—seek emergency medical attention immediately. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain.

Why Choose We Level Up Washington for Anxiety Treatment?

Selecting the right treatment provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your recovery journey. At We Level Up Washington, we’ve created a healing environment specifically designed to address the complex relationship between anxiety and physical symptoms like chest pain.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together experts in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, and holistic health. This integrated approach ensures that every aspect of your condition receives appropriate attention and care. Our specialists stay current with the latest research and treatment innovations, incorporating evidence-based practices that have been proven effective for anxiety disorders.

Our state-of-the-art facility in Washington provides a peaceful, supportive environment conducive to healing. From comfortable accommodations to therapeutic spaces designed for both individual and group work, every element of our center has been thoughtfully created to support your recovery journey.

Perhaps most importantly, our commitment extends beyond symptom management to long-term wellness and stability. We do more than help you temporarily. We equip you with the knowledge, skills, and support systems needed to maintain your progress after treatment ends. Our comprehensive aftercare planning and alumni support program ensures you have the resources and connections necessary for continued growth and stability.

Conclusion

Understanding the connection between anxiety and chest pain is the first step toward finding relief from both. Anxiety-related chest pain, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous. The mind-body connection works both ways: just as anxiety can trigger physical symptoms, addressing those physical manifestations can help reduce anxiety levels overall. 

Remember, there are many causes of chest pain. If your chest pain is severe, accompanied by shortness of breath, jaw or arm pain, nausea, or dizziness, or if you have risk factors for heart disease, seek medical attention right away.

If you’re experiencing anxiety-related chest pain or other symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, we encourage you to reach out today. Our admissions team is available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you determine the best path forward. With the right support and treatment, a calmer mind and body are within reach.

Don’t let anxiety control your life any longer. Contact We Level Up Washington at 509-348-4077 today and take the first step toward lasting relief and recovery.

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