Until now, pressure in the chest has often been associated with heart problems. However, other conditions can also cause chest pressure, such as muscle issues, digestive problems, anxiety, respiratory disorders, stress, and panic attacks.
Chest pressure pain is defined as the sensation that the chest is being crushed, squeezed, or pressed by a heavyweight. Why does stress cause pain and pressure in the chest?
Why does stress cause pain and pressure in the chest?
When stressed or anxious, the body activates the "fight or flight" response. This reaction causes many physical symptoms, including chest pressure pain.
Stress causes the body to release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which significantly affect the body and mind. Cortisol and adrenaline are stress hormones that the adrenal glands produce in response to stress. Cortisol helps the body cope with stress by increasing blood glucose levels to provide extra energy.
When these two hormones are released, you may experience physical symptoms such as trembling, rapid breathing, a fast heartbeat, chest pressure, and pale skin for at least 20 minutes.
How to relieve chest pressure pain?
Chest pressure pain can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily activities. You can alleviate it with the following steps:
Deep breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can help to relax the nervous system and reduce the body's response to stress. Find a quiet spot to sit or lie down, take a deep breath through your nose and hold it. Next, slowly exhale through your mouth and nose.
To reap the benefits, repeat this technique daily for a few minutes.
Imagining beautiful scenery
Imagining beautiful scenery or your favorite place is an effective technique to manage anxiety and stress in unavoidable situations. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and start imagining the details of a beautiful scene or your favorite place.
While imagining the scene, also visualize the sounds and scents of the place. Practice deep breathing techniques to feel calm and relaxed more quickly.
Using relaxation apps
Relaxation apps are an effective tool for dealing with daily stress and anxiety. These apps provide numerous breathing exercises, meditation guides, and relaxation techniques that can be accessed anytime. Use these apps to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
Living a healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including enough sleep, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise, can help lower anxiety risks and improve mental health. During exercise, the body produces endorphins, also known as happy hormones. These hormones reduce the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in the body.
Pressure pain in the chest can have many causes. See a doctor for an examination to find out what is causing the chest pain and pressure you are experiencing. An early diagnosis can help you get the right treatment.
You can also take advantage of health consultation services by downloading the Ai Care application through the App Store or Play Store related to the pressure on your chest.
Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
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Kendra Cherry, MSEd (2022). What Is the Fight-or-Flight Response?. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fight-or-flight-response-2795194
Cleveland Clinic (2021). Cortisol. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol
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