Blood vessel constriction makes it more difficult for blood to move throughout the body and puts pressure on the heart, often causing your heart to try to compensate by beating faster. When someone hyperventilates, their blood becomes alkaline, causing blood vessels to constrict. Also known as hyperventilation, this type of breathing forces carbon dioxide out of the bloodstream, leaving the body with too much oxygen (even though it often feels as though you do not have enough).Ĭarbon dioxide is important to the body and blood stream. Anxiety causes a person's body to 'over-breathe,' either by breathing too quickly or breathing in more deeply than the body requires. Yet understanding why this actually occurs can be beneficial. Knowing chest pressure and pain are common anxiety symptoms is helpful. Some describe the experience as a sharp, shooting pain, some report a dull pain, while others feel as though their heart is being squeezed. Not everyone experiences chest pressure or pain in the same way.

The Feeling of Chest Pressureįew people are taught that chest pressure can be caused by anxiety, but in reality it is one of the main symptoms of extreme anxiety and panic attacks. Once heart problems have been ruled out, gaining a better understanding of your anxiety, and how it contributes to chest pain and pressure is essential. Nonetheless, seeking medical attention is always recommended, to rule out the presence of any true heart issues. Doctor First - Anxiety Treatment Secondįor those with anxiety and chest pressure, it is extremely common to fear a heart problem. This can create a vicious cycle for those who have anxiety and experience chest pressure - the feeling of chest pressure causes more stress and worry (usually about one’s health), which contributes to increased anxiety and thus, a greater likelihood of chest pressure. Yet, to complicate matters, many mistake the chest pressure (resulting from anxiety) to be associated with a heart problem, such as heart disease or a heart attack. Chest pressure is uncomfortable on its own.

A common physical manifestation of anxiety for many is chest pressure. The ongoing and persistent stress connected to anxiety can manifest physically in various ways. Yet those with anxiety are far more prone to worry and stress that can affect everyday life and overall well-being. Everyone experiences some level of stress throughout life.

Heart burn and chest pressure