Constant chest tightness from anxiety is a complaint of many people with mood disorders. It is an uncomfortable pressure that often excites the sufferer into believing that they are experiencing a heart attack. The feeling of chest tightness is a common symptom in anxiety sufferers and it is caused by the demand for oxygen by the heart muscle being greater than the supply due to artery constriction.

Any chest pain should be thoroughly investigated by a medical professional to rule out myocardial infarction (heart attack). Many medical conditions present with a symptom of chest pain, many quite serious, rule out all other possibilities.

The causes of chest tightness

Constant chest tightness from anxiety can cause someone to feel lightheaded and dizzy, and the victim begins to feel as if he is about to faint. He is also prone to a shortness of breath, dry mouth and excessive sweating. A victim with heightened senses can inadvertently trigger the fight or flight response.

Often exaggerated, this response causes the sufferer to become fearful of the situation he is in. This feeling often impedes rational cognitive thinking and can take hold of the sufferer in a second. Extra dosages of epinephrine and norepinephrine are released into the brain, causing the sufferer to react to an undue amount of stress.

In people with anxiety disorders these symptoms are best relieved by relaxation techniques that divert the patient’s attention away from their current situation. However, in the mind of the anxiety stricken their current situation may be something that is perceived only by them and not apparent to others present.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine control the pace at which the brain functions, excess of these chemicals causes the brain to perform at an accelerated level and the person soon becomes disoriented and confused. In extreme cases the person becomes frantic and uncontrolled. You must understand that this person, in their agitated state, truly feels that they are not going to survive, hence the panic.

Practicing Crisis Management

Anxiety attacks normally last around 10-15 minutes although some have lasted for hours and once they subside the victim is physically fine if not mentally drained. Once recovered the person realizes that their fears were unfounded but they are powerless to stop it, but the possibilities of these kinds of attacks are constant. Chest tightness from anxiety is not dangerous in itself but the conditions it ushers in are terrifying to the afflicted person. The heart begins to function again normally and a normal state of well being is once again achieved.

One should take prompt action to keep his problem of constant chest tightness from anxiety to a minimum. Consult the expertise of a health care provider and come up with a health plan that will stop these episodes from happening. There are many courses of treatments such as natural remedies, behaviour modification and even medication.

Always try to isolate the various situations that seem to escalate your anxiety levels and cause you to suffer an attack. Take measures to avoid these situations. Always reach out to those who are in the boat as you. Check if there’s any support group in your area. Soon, you will be able to lead a normal and carefree life again.

Trevor Mosley was once a victim of panic attacks and anxiety. Click here if you want to discover how you too CAN overcome your anxiety forever. By taking action today you will be able to greatly improve your quality of life. http://conqueranxietytoday.com

Tags : anxiety, anxiety attack, Health, panic, panic attack
Categories : Health