Anxiety vs. Chest Pain: How to Tell the Difference

Chest pain can be an incredibly alarming symptom. For many, the first thought is often a heart attack or another serious cardiovascular issue. However, chest pain is not always a sign of a heart condition—sometimes, it can be caused by anxiety. The challenge lies in distinguishing between anxiety-induced chest pain and cardiac-related chest pain, as both can present with overlapping symptoms.

Understanding the difference between these two conditions can help you make informed decisions about when to seek medical care. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, with locations in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX, we offer expert evaluation and treatment for a range of conditions, including anxiety and chest pain.

How Anxiety Causes Chest Pain

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people every year. While anxiety is known for its psychological effects, such as excessive worry and feelings of panic, it can also manifest with physical symptoms—chest pain being one of the most concerning.

Anxiety-induced chest pain is generally caused by the body’s stress response. When faced with a perceived threat, your body triggers the “fight or flight” mechanism, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones. These chemicals can cause rapid breathing (hyperventilation), increased heart rate, and muscle tension, which may lead to the sensation of chest pain.

Key features of anxiety-related chest pain include:

• Sharp or stabbing pain that comes on quickly and may resolve just as suddenly
• Localized pain that may shift or move within the chest area
• Pain lasting only a few minutes, though it can persist if the anxiety attack continues
• A racing heart (palpitations), often described as the sensation of your heart skipping beats or beating too hard
• Shortness of breath, especially during panic attacks
• Dizziness or a sense of detachment, sometimes accompanied by numbness in the extremities

Anxiety-induced chest pain is more likely to occur during periods of intense stress or emotional distress, such as before a big event, during a panic attack, or when faced with a stressful situation.

Cardiac-Related Chest Pain: What to Look For

While anxiety can cause chest pain, it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition, like a heart attack or another cardiac issue. Unlike anxiety, cardiac chest pain is usually the result of reduced blood flow to the heart, which can lead to more severe complications if not treated promptly.

Common characteristics of cardiac-related chest pain:

• Pressure or squeezing sensation that feels like someone is sitting on your chest
• Pain that radiates to other parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, jaw, arms, or back
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a few minutes and may worsen with physical exertion
• Sudden onset of intense pain, often described as a crushing or heavy feeling
• Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like symptoms in addition to the chest pain
• Cold sweats or clammy skin
• Fatigue or weakness that appears without a clear cause
• Shortness of breath that worsens with activity or may occur even at rest

Heart-related chest pain typically doesn’t come and go as quickly as anxiety-related pain and is more likely to be accompanied by the physical symptoms mentioned above.

How to Tell the Difference Between Anxiety Vs Chest Pain

Though anxiety and cardiac chest pain share certain symptoms, there are key differences that can help you determine which condition you’re dealing with:

• Duration and type of pain: Anxiety-induced chest pain is often sharper, more localized, and brief, while cardiac pain feels more like pressure or squeezing and is more persistent.
• Triggering factors: Anxiety chest pain usually happens during or after periods of stress, fear, or panic. Cardiac chest pain, on the other hand, can be triggered by physical exertion or can occur at rest due to heart disease.
• Location and radiation of pain: While anxiety-related chest pain tends to stay localized in the chest, cardiac pain may radiate to other areas of the body, such as the arms, back, or jaw.
• Other symptoms: Anxiety chest pain is commonly accompanied by hyperventilation, dizziness, and tingling in the hands or feet. Cardiac-related chest pain is more often paired with sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Any type of chest pain should be taken seriously, as it can be difficult to differentiate between anxiety-induced pain and a potentially life-threatening cardiac event. You should seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

• Sudden or severe chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes
• Pain that spreads to the neck, jaw, arms, or back
• Unexplained sweating or clammy skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe fatigue or weakness

Even if you suspect your chest pain is due to anxiety, it’s better to be cautious. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our team of medical professionals can perform the necessary tests, such as an EKG or blood work, to rule out heart conditions and provide peace of mind. We’re here to help you determine the cause of your chest pain and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Anxiety and Cardiac-Related Chest Pain

Once you’ve been evaluated, your treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your chest pain.

• For anxiety-related chest pain, treatment typically involves addressing the root cause of your anxiety. This may include therapy, relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication to help manage anxiety and panic attacks. Learning breathing exercises and stress management techniques can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing chest pain during future episodes of anxiety.
• For heart-related chest pain, treatment is more immediate and may involve medications to improve blood flow to the heart, relieve pain, or address underlying conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol. In more serious cases, further interventions like angioplasty or surgery may be required.

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we offer advanced diagnostic tools to quickly and accurately assess your condition and guide your treatment. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or a cardiac issue, you can trust our team to deliver compassionate, expert care.

Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX

Chest pain is never something to ignore, whether it’s caused by anxiety or a more serious condition. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above, we encourage you to visit one of our convenient locations in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth, TX, for an evaluation. Our team is ready to help you navigate the cause of your chest pain and get you the treatment you need.

Call or visit us today to ensure your health and peace of mind.