Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Anxiety Cause Chest Pain?
Question: I get discomfort in my chest, feels like I am anchios feel nervious
Brief Answer:
other causes would need to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Anxiety/nervousness can cause chest pain/discomfort. Some persons may also have palpitations, shortness of breath, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea. These are only some of the symptoms that may occur.
Anxiety is common but usually with chest discomfort, other conditions have to be ruled out by EKG and sometimes, chest x ray. Thyroid function test and complete blood count are also done as well.
If there are no other causes for your symptoms, then anxiety would definitely be considered.
Treatment of anxiety involves: (1)looking at the triggers- are there any particular situations, thoughts or perceptions that cause your anxiety
This would be addressed in 'talk' therapy.
If this cannot be done at this time then you can try noting any thoughts/ideas or situations yourself and find ideas to alter or deal with them differently
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation can be learned at home and are very effective
(2)medications- there are a number of medications that help to treat anxiety and they would only have to be taken for a short period of time (6 to 12 mths), in some cases
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
other causes would need to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Anxiety/nervousness can cause chest pain/discomfort. Some persons may also have palpitations, shortness of breath, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea. These are only some of the symptoms that may occur.
Anxiety is common but usually with chest discomfort, other conditions have to be ruled out by EKG and sometimes, chest x ray. Thyroid function test and complete blood count are also done as well.
If there are no other causes for your symptoms, then anxiety would definitely be considered.
Treatment of anxiety involves: (1)looking at the triggers- are there any particular situations, thoughts or perceptions that cause your anxiety
This would be addressed in 'talk' therapy.
If this cannot be done at this time then you can try noting any thoughts/ideas or situations yourself and find ideas to alter or deal with them differently
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation can be learned at home and are very effective
(2)medications- there are a number of medications that help to treat anxiety and they would only have to be taken for a short period of time (6 to 12 mths), in some cases
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
