In short, yes, it can. Read on to learn about the link between anxiety and chest pain, and ways to cope.
Chest Pain Is a Panic Attack Symptom
Some people experience chest pain when they are experiencing anxiety. It is most common for chest pain to occur during a panic attack.
A panic attack is a sudden surge of anxiety that is distinct from generalized anxiety. According to the DSM-5, a panic attack includes at least four or more of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Feelings of choking
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
- Chills and heat sensations
- Numbness and/or tingling
- Derealization (feelings of unreality)
- Depersonalization (feeling detached from yourself)
- Fear of losing control, “going crazy,” or dying
Chest Pain is Not Necessarily a Sign of a Heart Attack
Many people panic when they experience chest pain because they have heard it is a symptom of a heart attack.
While that is true, there are other sources of chest pain. Anxiety is one of them. This is definitely an inconvenient coincidence. Of course, thinking you may be having a heart attack increases anxiety, and makes it harder to control the panic symptoms.
Heart attacks and panic attacks share other symptoms besides just chest pain. They can both cause shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and a cold sweat. High levels of stress can be a precursor to both heart attacks and panic attacks.
How Can I Tell if I’m Having a Heart Attack or a Panic Attack?
First, examine the following high risk factors for heart attacks, as identified in the linked article by Dr. Kabir Sethi:
- Advanced age
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- History of heart attacks in your family
- Heart surgery
- High blood pressure
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
- High levels of stress
If only one or two of these risk factors describe you, it is more likely that you are having a panic attack than a heart attack (of course, this is a generalization, not a guarantee).
Another major difference is that in a heart attack, chest pain may radiate out to the arms, which is not necessarily the case during a panic attack. Note that this specific symptom is more common in men having heart attacks than women. Women may be more likely to experience pain in the jaw and back during a heart attack, which are not common symptoms of panic attacks.
If after reading this, you still aren’t sure whether you’re experiencing a panic attack or a heart attack, visit your local emergency department.
4 Ways to Cope During a Panic Attack
1. Repeat These Phrases
Say these either in your head or out loud:
- This is temporary.
- I’m okay.
- I’m safe.
- My body is just responding to my anxiety.
- Anything else that feels comforting to hear.
2. Breathing Techniques
Take 5 slow breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. See how slow you can go. Try to make your exhale last longer than your inhale.
Practice belly breaths (also called abdominal or diaphragmatic breaths).
Breathe in to the count of 4, pause for 4, and exhale for 8 (personally, I prefer this method to box breathing).
3. Grounding Techniques
Place your feet flat on the floor. When your mind wanders, bring it back to noticing where your body is making contact with the ground and furniture. Notice the feeling of being held up and supported.
Observe 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.
4. Distraction
- Count backwards from 100 by 7’s.
- Take a hot or cold shower.
- Go for a jog or run.
- Try progressive muscle relaxation.
Congratulations, you did it!
You survived a panic attack! Now what?
Continue practicing the techniques that help you on a daily basis - even on days when you aren’t anxious or having a panic attack. It can be hard to remember what to do during a panic attack. The more familiar you are with the coping skills that work, the more likely you are to remember them when you need them!
Also, repetition of these skills during calm moments will help your brain and body associate the skills with feeling calm. If you only use them during panic attacks, your body will associate them with anxiety, and they may not be as effective.
If you aren’t already seeing a therapist, consider doing so. They can keep you accountable to practicing coping skills. If your panic attacks become a regular thing, you may want to see a prescriber of anxiety medications as well.
About Rebecca
Rebecca Ogle, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social worker and therapist in Chicago, IL.Rebecca provides therapy to people with anxiety, low self-esteem, and people pleasing tendencies. She uses a feminist and social justice lens, and interventions based in CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.
For helpful, free content, follow her on Instagram or go to her website.