Stress and Chest Pain

Many physical symptoms are associated with chronic stress, and chest pain can be one of the most frightening of these. The good news is that chest pain does not always signal a heart attack. The bad news is that several other conditions are associated with chest pain, and some of them are potentially quite serious. Chest pain can be the first symptom of a heart attack, so it is very important to seek medical attention immediately for any chest pain.

Chest pain can be divided into two types: cardiac and non-cardiac. Cardiac chest pain is pain related to a condition or problem with the heart, and can result from one of the following:

• Heart Attack
• Stable or Unstable Angina
• Other heart conditions including pericarditis, aortic dissection, and coronary spasm

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot formed on the surface of plaques inside the coronary arteries. As sections of the heart become oxygen deprived, heart tissue begins to die. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death for American men and women.

Angina is chest pain that occurs when the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen from the blood it’s pumping. This usually is a symptom of an underlying heart problem such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), in which fatty deposits accumulate in the vessels leading to the heart. There are two types of angina, stable and unstable. Stable angina has a predictable pattern, and is managed and treated with medication. Unstable angina may be the first sign that a heart attack is about to occur, and it doesn’t have a predictable pattern.

Some chest pain is not due to any problem with the heart, but is associated with other problems. Severe anxiety or panic attacks can cause chest pain or tightness, and chronic intense stress can make anxiety and panic disorder worse. The best way to handle this type of chest pain is to start by getting a thorough medical check-up to rule out any physical disorders or conditions.

After all possible physical sources of pain have been ruled out, make an appointment with a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. Some people feel that going to a mental health practitioner means that they are “crazy,” but looking after your mental health is just one part of good self-care that doesn’t carry the same stigma as in years past. A psychologist will be able to do psychological testing to find a definitive diagnosis of anxiety or panic disorder. He or she then makes a referral to a psychiatrist if medication is necessary.

Stress and chest pain don’t have to be a lifelong problem. Controlling external sources of stress can also help reduce all anxiety-related symptoms, including chest pain. Reducing outside stress can be difficult, but it helps to break stressors down into a few groups, such as work stress, relationship and family stress, or financial stress.

Reducing stress at work may mean reducing hours or delegating some job duties. It also could mean changing jobs, which might be difficult in today’s tight job market. Start by doing a short meditation during breaks, or going for a walk at lunch. In work environments where it’s permitted, playing soothing music can help ease stress during particularly difficult work days.

Relationship and family stress can be particularly difficult to control, but there a few things that can help. Improving communication can often make relationships more peaceful and less stressful, and discussing problems can defuse conflicts before they become a chronic source of stress in a relationship.

Financial stress is particularly common when the economy is bad, but almost everyone can do something to ease their financial strain. Knowing where the money is going each month can help consumers make better decisions about when to spend and when to save.

All chest pain requires medical attention, so the first step is to see a doctor immediately. Only a physician can differentiate a heart attack from a less serious cause of chest pain, and the chances of surviving a heart attack increase with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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