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*Constant* Chest Pain from Anxiety?

Does anyone have this for a symptom??  It's horrible, feels like I'm going to drop dead from a heart attack at any second during the day.  Have had multiple tests with Dr., said I have anxiety - put me on Celexa (3 mo's now) but it has done nothing.  Tried breathing exercises, meditation, etc - none of that stuff helps.  And can't really exercise because I'm scared I'll drop dead!  Please help, this is ruining my life, hurting my marriage and my job.  The chest pain is very real and painful to me, but the Doc is telling me it's a chemical imbalance and basically all in my head...   ???
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Avatar universal
I have felt this same way with chest pains. Ever since I had my baby a month ago I have been experiencing horrible chest pains and feel like I am going to die from a heart attack. I went to the er already and they ran every test possible for my heart and nothing's wrong with it. my hands go numb, my chest hurts, I feel dizzy and almost feel like passing out. I hate feeling like this and everyday I freak out thinking there is something wrong with me.
Helpful - 1
20840576 tn?1531051036
Thank you for starting this thread. I have been seeing doctors with no resolve and none have mentioned anxiety as a possibility. My work is extremely stressful, but I didn't know it could effect my breathing. Thank you, again!
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3 Comments
Do you think if you treated anxiety, this could get better?  Have you talked to your doctor about that?
Thank you! I am already treated with a low dose for anxiety and this just started a few months ago. Sybicort didn't improve my breathing, labs were clear, so now I am scheduled to meet with a cardiologist. IF that is clear, I need to up my anxiety meds and take more time for me to reduce the stress from my work. So far, I have been restricted to the point that my daily routine is limited and exercise is out.
The stress test and ultrasound came back with no issues. Next is the CT scan to see if it is lungs or blot clot. I'm glad it's not my heart, but I don't want to me on anxiety meds the rest of my life. Has anyone had success with something other than prescription meds, in case the next test comes back clear, too?
370181 tn?1595629445
PLEASE check the date this thread was posted!!!!! It is 10 YEARS old.
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Avatar universal
I suffer with anxiety  and I had chest pain and tingles  in my fingers  I went and told gp I was sent home  with  paracetamol and told it was anxiety  2 days later I did in fact suffer from a heart attack (age 28 ) since my anxiety  depression  and panic disorder  is a lot worse
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Avatar universal
I have the same thing sharp pains underneath my left chest my heart I say I had stress test nuclear stress test EKG they say I'm fine I tell them I don't believe them going on 18 months with this chest pain I tell my wife I'm gonna drop that she says it's all in my head there is no way these chest pains are in my head  it is ruining my life afraid to do anything I don't want to say I'm happy that people have this but it helps me knowing other people have it I wish you all the best  they gave me Lexapro refuse to take them gave me Xanax I take once in a while I just hope I don't dropdead I have two kids and a wife and I wake up scared every day this is no way to live has any one felt better
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1 Comments
How are you feeling now I go through same thing
Avatar universal
Yes I have been suffering from this problem now got just over two months! I had a stressful time recently in my family life, my job and in general day to day life everything was bad, negative and stressful. Then I went to work away for a month and this is when these chest pains began! I had a mini panic attack with chest pain and since the attack the pains have not gone away! I have had an ECG on my heart and everything was normal. I spoke to a doctor and they said I am suffering from stress and aniexty and these pains and symptoms will pass! I have had such worry over the pains that I have convinced myself I am unwell and I have a huge underlying problem but I know it's all in my head, I have images of myself laying in a hospital bed serverly ill, I have feelings like I am going to die and not be able to see my family ever again! It's all these thoughts causing my anxiety to get worse and they are causing this horrible chest pain and I really need to snap out of it but it's easier said than done! I was so glad when I came across this post as I realised I'm not going insane and there is lots of people expirencing this pain like me! I have noticed cutting out caffeine certainly helps and a lot of people have said the same! The pain is mostly in my left side and it moves sometimes to arm, my back and right side of my chest it varies! Thanks for sharing all your expirences I feel a lot calmer knowing there are other people feeling the way I have felt the last two months! Deep breathing, happy thoughts and keeping busy is the key!
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Avatar universal
Yes i have it none stop its terrible u poor pet, im 18 and i know the feeling u think no matter what that the doctors arre missing something, people have chest pains i have head and cheat, what i do is go down stairs have a cup of tea have a good wee cry, and think to myself after an hour. " well if it is a heart attack i wouldnt be here and that sorta helps me im on zopiclone at night helps sometimes, no matter how hatd u try and tell ur self ur ok it doesnt seem to help but i downloaded an app called headspace and its a 10 therapy for anixity really does help dote
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Avatar universal
im feeling that as well pain in the left side alnd also on the right side below the ribs...but the problem is my cholesterol went high and also my trigrylecirine but noe everything is normal but still i have this pain... i am from the philippines...
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Avatar universal
I can relate to so many posts on this thread. I have had chest pain and other symptoms for years. Like many here, I have had lots of tests which all show my heart is ok. I try to get exercise by walking because it is meant to help anxiety but I find that exercise can bring on my chest pain, I dont know if this is just psychological or my poor breathing (hperventilation) I havent heard anyone say exercise makes their chest pain worse. When I get a touch of pain when walking, I focus on it and it makes me more anxious which of course doesnt help.
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Avatar universal
hello, little backround on me, I just recently turned 40 and I have had anxiety/panic/ocd for the last 21 years (probably when I was a kid too but never went to doctor for any thing then). So several months ago I had my first baby and all heck broke loose with anxiety... I had some physical complications so I was constantly thinking I was going to die. Thought heart issues, thought blood clots, thought all kinds of things...turned into a hypochondriac obviously, and also am finding I'm agoraphobic. Physical symptoms from anxiety were yes the racing heart, sweating, dizziness, racing pulse, tingling/burning feelings in arms and lets and back and head, plus I have vertigo which makes the feelings worse. I've had this before but after a lot of panic and usually after a bad attack, I feel soooooo run down, tired, in a fog..my body feels sore and tender in my joints and yes the chest pain. Like bruised all in my chest area lasts for days after a bad attack, so would sometimes wonder if my heart or lungs were bad. So it happened again recently and the chest pain is slowly subsiding but its still there over the heart area. I know its anxiety but I do also have reflux issues so it could make it worse. Anyway...basically I'm not a stranger to anxiety...so I want to say that its definitely manageable and for some people with the right help it can become a thing of the past. For those of you who think you're dying and go to the hospital etc, thats ok! Ive done it! Finding out there is nothing really physically wrong with you is great! Go to the ER, go to your doctor, get whatever tests you need done to rule out medical issues. Absolutely nothing wrong with that!  Then take that info and now tell yourself, ok, its anxiety and I know it is and now its time to focus on treating it. For some, its a hit the first time with medication, for others it takes while to find the right one. Don't be discouraged! Take it one day at a time and keep going. I went for many years dealing with my anxiety on its own...sometimes it was fine, other times it was too much,  did medication at one point and it helped but I didn't want to be on it anymore and got off thinking I was ok.Then I went through a long lonely battle with anxiety triggered by work stress but mostly caused by my own intrusive thoughts. I finally sought therapy several years ago when I was dealing with this. I thought, what the heck, I'm just talking to someone, what have I got to lose plus the therapist after listening to me initially said she thought she could really help me and without needing meds. So I was in therapy for approx 9 months...I liked it, I always left feeling good, uplifted like I was doing something for myself. Even though, I wasn't convinced it was going to REALLY do anything for me in the long run cause we're just talking and the therapist is basically giving me pointers on how to handle and how to retrain my thinking and really I didn't think I could do it anyway, too busy to do the mental exercises she asked me to do or just didn't think of them when I needed to.. Well I was wrong, I was doing them little by little and I didn't realize how much it was helping!! After like 6-7 months...I took a look at my situation and looked back from the beginning of therapy and realized, holy crap...I'm not that stressed anymore at work...the triggers that would get me all worked up were not triggers anymore or if they were, it was a small tiny panic that I could talk myself down from in a minute...I couldn't believe it. I didn't even realize it was getting better. So if you can, talk therapy with a counselor/psychologist shouldn't be out of the question. I didn't stop because I was cured, I missed an appointment and just never rescheduled, but from those 9 months I had the tools to use that I was ok not going. Now with the post partum anxiety, I've got an appointment this weekend to start again, the triggers are different this time but I have faith this could help, and if my therapist suggests I will go on meds. I have a friend who is a social worker with a masters in psychology so I pick her brain all the time and tell her what I'm going through. This is something that she tells me, Yes, it ***** you're going through this, its a disorder, certain parts of the brain are dominant over the rest right now...but the good thing is...ITS FIXABLE! With therapy and meds. So please don't give up. Try different things, I used to run and I know you've all heard this before but exercise does help! Just walk outside around the block even, all while keep chanting, this is ME TIME, I'm not gonna think about anything else except this is my time to do something good for my body( I did that on the treadmill at the gym for at least 30-45 minutes)...keep saying that to yourself the whole time you're doing whatever it is you choose to do for yourself even if you don't believe it. Keep doing and saying it over and over and over again..I'm serious...over and over and over again...that's retraining your brain..and I swear eventually your body and mind will catch on and during that ME TIME (could be 20 minutes of whatever you choose a day lets say) you will eventually enjoy and crave it, its a start and worth a try to possibly help give you some peace!
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Avatar universal
I've suffered with this, daily, since 10/12/99. Obviously still looking for answers.  A bad day today, with constant pressure. My husband asked "so the doctors expect you to live like this, you are a mess"   I've been a bit worse lately, and after the years, I'm sure he is sick of me always having panic. I wish you all the best. I've literally tried everything at this point, even went 3 YEARS IN REMISSION. ..now it's back to square one. It's hard to function with so much fear and physical symptoms. If anyone has help, my name is Kimberly sherman Ketchum.  I'm on Facebook.  I have two children now, but I feel like such a crappy mom because of this nightmare disorder. I do try.  Hugs to all.
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Avatar universal
Hello guys. First im going to introdice myself.
I'm 15 and female. My names melody and I live in England.  
In around may 2015 I started to get nauseous and dizzy. The episodes were getting more and more frequent. I didn't Pay them much attention apart from the fact that I probably was drinking too much energy drinks / caffeine  or something along the lines.  I thought it would soon pass. During these episodes my mom was rushed into hospital with kidney and liver failure and pneumonia due to alcohol abuse. When she was in hospital I visited her absolutely distraught and remember her face just looking at her face terrified of the worst to happen. I remember being that scared and shocked that I couldn't breathe. A week or two later my mom suddenly died of a heart attack. And she was just gone. Soon after this incident I started to feel chest pain as of my chest in between my breasts was growing out of me. I was getting that worried I could hardly take a clear normal breath and It felt as if you know just above your collar bone there is the skin bit like your wind pipe it is at the bottom of your throat when u push it in it obstructs your airway.  (Sorry don't know the name really hard to describe might sound dumb lol) but when I breathe I noticed in the mirror that that goes in when I inhale. So when I couldn't breathe one day I pulled it outwards and I had the best breath ever it was refreshing and felt amazing it never effected me before but I think because I was so anxious all the time It was felt amazing. The chest pain got worse and worse and then after that happened with my mom I was more stressed and upset. Felt like I had the world on my shoulders plus I need to study for exams and I have 6 siblings to love and be there for. Including a 6 and 7 year old brother and sister.
Anyway back to the story I was having panic attacks. I'm sure if you're reading this you know what they are  the sweating/cold sweats the twitches and shivers the dizziness the butterflies in your belly that big breath you do to make sure your still functioning properly. That looking around contemplating Is this a dream or reality? I know. It feels terrible. Anybody who suffers you are not weak you are strong to deal with such a horrible thing. When I was at my work placement (volenteering  job) which is at a funfair dressing up to stop children bullying, somebody was on one of the rides and suffered a cardiac arrest. One of my close friends had to reccussatate her but she sadly died, so young. She like my mom was unhealthy although it doesn't make anything better the way I feel because I am fairly healthy because I still panic and worry the same.
As time went on it started to get worse. I looked online for symptons of a heart attack just in case I ever had one and to try be more rational about my panic thoughts. After reading that I got a hot flush and sudden pain shot down my left side and a numb feeling came above my heart. I panicked and went very dizzy I begged my dad to take me to hospital but he never understood he always things he knows better than everyone else but does not know how real a heart attack feels to a person suffering from anxiety! !:( as time went on there has been a permanent pain in my left arm in my "heart" probably just my chest but it feels like my heart. And sometimes I get chest pain.  My left arm sometimes goes numb and I then panic I've got bad circulation which could also result in a cardiac arrest.  I decided to Google my symptons tonight even though I know  my own thinking has created this physical pain But I just wanted to know as I don't have a doctor is there anyone else out there suffering exactly like me or do they just get pains in there chest now and again why is mine constant.  When I read the words pain in my chest and left arm all the time It gave me such a relief.  Everybody who suffers with this you are very strong. Keep going !! We will make it and overcome this awful obstacle!! We WILL make it we are strong. YOU are in control of your own mind don't forget that.
I'd k just like to add one of my coping strategies works a little for me the pain is still there and the thoughts don't go away but if you feel you are getting panicy stand up or sit up straight. Take a big breath. Notice which part moves first.  It should be your belly then your chest then your shoulders.  That's the correct breathing g excesses and I only found that 2 days ago. Look up YouTube for breathing excersoses they do make it somewhat easier I thought there was no hope but this relaxes you really well. Good luck to everyone I will pray for you tonight  sorry this isn't an answer but I hope it helps knowing your not alone god bless xxx
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Avatar universal
have any of you considered a hormonal imbalance? i've been having chest pain for a week straight, i had my parargard IUD removed 2 days ago because i felt it was throwing my body out of balance. most doctors will tell you it doesn't cause any of these symptoms but in my research i've heard countless stories of women suffering from anxiety, chest pains, fatigue, and many other symptoms, which they start to heal from once it's removed. if you're a man you could still have issues with your thyroid, and adrenal glands. worth looking into.
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Avatar universal
So do you think you had your panic attack due to anxiety and googling your symptoms or due to anxiety and dealing with the deaths happening around you. Because with myself and my chest pain's I never had anything until I had my first panic attack and then the chest pain and anxiety followed. From what my doctor says he think's that my initial panic attack's were so severe that I now have mild PTSD from the whole ordeal. But like you I basically had all the major test's done and everything seemed normal which can kind of make you feel like you're crazy, at least it did me. These are just some things that help me so I figured I would just put em out here even if they don't pertain to or help your exact situation. If I feel myself getting anxious or the chest or arm pain coming on I just tell myself that I'm perfectly healthy, take a deep breath, and shake my arm's out and sort of decompress my abdomen as I release the deep breath. I also mentally let go and try not to think about the pain at all and try to focus on something else. These things are really working for me but everyone is different and I hope you find somethings that help you. But as far as the anxiety and chest pain's I really believe you just need to let everything go physically and mentally, hell have a good cry let everything out and tell yourself you're ok and try not to dwell on negative thoughts or every ache and pain. I know for myself the pain was VERY real and I never thought anxiety would be the cause of my intense crushing chest pain, heart palpitations, and overall feeling like crap but once I told myself that's what it was I started to feel a difference right away. I still have a little pinch here or there but I just let em do there thing and try not to even acknowledge them. I just keep doing what I'm doing because in my experience focusing or thinking about the pain is the worst thing to do and will only make it worse. Good luck and I hope you and everyone feel better soon.  
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Avatar universal
Has anyone here taken levaquin or cipro antibiotics around the times your symptoms started?
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Avatar universal
My name is Will, I'm a 31 year old male and I stumbled upon this forum as I was looking for answers about the life ruining chest pains I have been experiencing. I had 2 back to back major panic attacks when I was around 26 brought on by smoking pot. I had smoked pot pretty much all day everyday since I was 16 so it was business as usual for me. At the time I had no idea what a panic attack even was besides hearing other people mention it from time to time. My first attack I just road out by myself in my apartment and it was horrible. The second attack that happened a few days later (also brought on by pot becuz I'm a ******* lol) I ended up calling an ambulance and everything. Once at the hospital they did every test under the sun and found that everything looked normal. So that was about 5 yrs ago and I've had all sorts of strange chest related pains that have been so bad to the point that I think I'm having a heart attack or they are just so painful it's hard to function day to day. I've lived with the chest pain coming and going for 5 years now and never gave much credence to it being anxiety but I know now that is most definitely anxiety related. After the second attack I stopped smoking pot all together and I'll never touch it again as long as I live.

All the post's here literally started to help me as I read them and started to figure out that I was not crazy and other people have experienced the same things. After reading about 20 of the posts hear it was like a weight had been lifted off of me and I broke down and cried like a baby lol. But yeah I believe that what people posting here are experiencing are major anxiety and panic attacks that in turn cause the chest pain. I have begun to feel better in the past few days and have been trying to lower my stress levels and letting things go. If I feel chest pain or an episode coming on I just take a deep breath and literally shake it off and tell myself that I'm fine and I'm going to be ok. So yeah try some of the other poster's suggestions about how to deal with this horrible condition and I believe you will start to see improvements and the chest pain get less frequent and less intense.

I relate and sympathize with all of you and I know we can get better. I wish you all good luck and improved health :)
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Avatar universal
Amen
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Avatar universal
My Doctors advice,eat well,exersice,have friends and good friends and you will be fine,this worked for me and it can work for you cos ur not sick
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Avatar universal
I feel sorry for you bro,i lived with anxiety for 3 years now,i work under a lot of pressure everyday,so the stress make it worse,but when you look at me physically im fit and healthy,giving up like you do will never be an option for me,my daughter is 3 years old and she needs me,im 30 years old,i stopped drinking and smoking completely and give my life to God,i never had a serious panic attack for the past 1.5 years,i know im healthy,maybe some acid problems but in time all will pass and will leave a full live,i eventualy killed my fear of flying,now im ready for my next flight cause i enjoy it,Anxiety is a devil and will have no power over my life,wake up Brother
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Avatar universal
Hi there i completely on your shoe. i am 28 years old a father of a 4 year old sweet and full of happiness little girl. I had all the test 2 months ago xray,2decho,stress test, bloodwork,ecg all came but normal, still feel these pains (chest,left arm,back,headache and dizziness.) I experienced having anxiety attack (panic attack) just last 2 days ago, we were at the mall my wife got upset because instead of having fun i am taking it away from her and my daughter. I still feel that something is wrong. Now whenever I feel something on my back and chest can't help but google it and check. My wife said its all in my mind. I can't help but understand her instead of raging because she is not the one experiencing this. And I am praying she wont because this is really hard and we have a 4 year old daughter. I am so down right now. I always feel the fear of, a loving daughter losing his father in such a young age. I am a 28 year old male i honestly can't help but to cry by myself and ask help from God. Though i know that i am not alone in this kind of situation but i can tell most of us can't help but think that something is not just right. I honestly need help.
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Avatar universal
Greetings, I have been experiencing anxiety symptoms (I'm told) for 2 months now. 2 months ago I was feeling dizzy with some headaches. At the same time I had 4 people I knew die along with myself turning 40 and being a new father, stay at home father. With those symptoms I mistakenly googled and the worst case scenario was there. I had a panic attack and went to the Instagram, they did an EKG, chest x Ray. Everything was fine. The doctor said if Ithe headaches are still there in the morning to go to the ER. I went back to the instacare where he sent me to the ER. ER did a cat scan of my head and neck, everything was fine. But they recommended me get an MRI because of the possibility of concussion. Did that and met with the neurologist, brain is clean. But I was still feeling symptomatic with chest pain, arm pain and some jaw discomfort. So, I went to a family doctor, did all the blood work, and everything was fine. That doctor said anxiety and prescribed me clonozapan ( I think that's how it's spelled). It helps with the brain however I still feel symptomatic. They did a stress test on the treadmill. Everything fine. Still did not feel right so I wanted to meet with a cardiologist specialist. Took the stress echo, everything fine.they say I am very healthy and fall into the least risk category for heart risk. Knowing that my heart is healthy helps but the symptoms just will not go away. The burping *****. I went to the family doctor, they prescribed prolosac and something else for night time, but this does nothing. I burp but nothing comes up and it's not acidic. It's been 2 months of feeling like this and I want it to be over. Stress and anxiety is a real thing and I can relate. When I think about something happening to me and my son being with out his father who is completely in love with him it makes it worse. I am trying to trust the doctors. I have had a stress free life for 40 years and I was shook by all of this so I am frightened. The constant chest heaviness is awful. If anyone wants to talk I am happy to do so.
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Avatar universal
Hi I am 15 years old with chest pain. My heart has been pounding hard but at a normal speed. My upper back aches.what should I do. Any tips
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Avatar universal
Hi I am now 15years old in the same situation you were in at the same age. I would like if you have me tips or something.does it get better. Oh it your back also ache and many chest pains. Heating pounding hard but at a normal speed all day and night also happen
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Avatar universal
Hi I am 15 year old I want to know has it gotten better because I have the same thing as you. What should I do. Any tips to help me.
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