Constant chest tightness from anxiety is a common symptom for people who suffer mood disorders. A discomforting feeling that adds pressure on his chest, the sufferer is misled to believe that he is experiencing a heart attack. The cause of chest tightness is due to artery construction, which leads to a deficiency of oxygen supply in the heart muscle.
Chest pains are serious matters and if you experience them it is advised that you consult a medical professional as soon as possible. The doctor will give you a thorough examination and the test results will indicate if the pains are cardiac related. Remember, chest pains are an indication of several medical conditions.
The causes of chest tightness
Constant chest tightness from anxiety can occasionally bring about giddiness and a feeling that one is about to faint. The sufferer also experiences a shortness of breath as well as dry mouth and sweating. In extreme cases, these conditions can trigger the fight or flight response in the sufferer’s body.
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 are brain chemicals that control the speed at which the brain functions. An excess amount of these chemicals can cause the brain to go into an overdrive and work at an accelerated speed. The person ends up feeling disoriented and flummoxed. In aggravated cases, the person bursts into a maniacal episode and reacts frantically. He feels that his life is in danger and that he isn’t going to survive the ordeal and this causes the panic attack.
Practicing Crisis Management
Typically, anxiety attacks can last up to 15 minutes although in extreme cases the victims endure the attacks for up to hours. The heart stabilises and normalcy in the victim’s mind is restored. The episode usually does not harm the victim physically, although mentally and emotionally he is traumatised. More often than not, when the episode ends the victim realises that his fears were unfounded. That being said, he has no control over them and thus cannot stop them. It is usually not the end of his nightmare; his anxiety attacks will strike again. Chest tightness from anxiety is not an illness on its own, though it can trigger and heighten one’s sense of fear.
Crisis management is essential in keeping constant chest tightness from anxiety and the resulting symptoms at bay. Talk with your health care provider and devise a plan to keep these episodes to a minimum. These can range from medication to behaviour modification to natural remedies.
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 chronic sufferer of anxiety and severe panic attacks. Click here in order to discover how you can overcome your anxiety for good and live without the constant fear. By taking action today you will be able to greatly improve your quality of life. http://conqueranxietytoday.com
