Is chest pain caused by anxiety and stress?

Hi all....
I have been experiencing chest pain on my left side of and on for some time now. It seems to be more by my left breast and on my left breast bone, sometimes I also feel the pain in the middle of my chest, and my chest sometimes feel heavy, and sometimes get a choking feeling.
I have been very stressed out for a while, I'm a new mother, moved to a new place, not working, problems and increased arguments with hubby etc.
I have been feeling depressed for a while, I also experienced dizziness, and went to the doctor and I was told it's due to stress, I also explained all the problems I was going through. I was given anti-depressants to use.
Since the chest pains I haven't gone back to the doctor though, but thinking of it.
I have read a lot of stuff about chest pains, and am worrying and feeling very scared....what do you guys think any ideas, someone out there must have felt the same chest pain like me.

I also felt some irregular heatbeats, (fast and fluttery) a few times, which only lasted a few seconds. I also have bad headaches.

A tightness in the chest is a common symptom of anxiety, BUT, it could also be the sign of something more serious.

Anxiety impact on intellect
Memory problems.
Difficulty making decisions.
Inability to concentrate.
Confusion.
Seeing only the negative.
Repetitive or racing thoughts.
Poor judgment.
Loss of objectivity.

Anxiety impact on emotions:
* Moody and hypersensitive.
* Restlessness and anxiety.
* Depression.
* Anger and resentment.
* Easily irritated and 鈥渙n edge鈥?
* Sense of being overwhelmed.
* Lack of confidence.
* Apathy.
* Urge to laugh or cry at inappropriate times.

Anxiety impact on your body
* Headaches.
* Digestive problems.
* Muscle tension and pain.
* Sleep disturbances.
* Fatigue.
* Chest pain, irregular heartbeat.
* High blood pressure.
* Weight gain or loss.
* Asthma or shortness of breath.
* Skin problems.
* Decreased sex drive.

Anxiety impact on behavior
* Eating more or less.
* Sleeping too much or too little.
* Isolating yourself from others.
* Neglecting your responsibilities.
* Increasing alcohol and drug use.
* Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing).
* Teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
* Overdoing activities such as exercising or shopping.
* Losing your temper.
* Overreacting to unexpected problems.




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yes very easily could be stress and anxiety

I bet it is related, but go to the doctor...yahoo answers is no place to ask for advice when it comes to serious things like that

yes it could be. my mom was just in the hospital for this last week. i had to take her to the ER monday evening cause she was showing signs of a heart attack. After being there for numerous days & going through all the normal tests that have to be done to determine whether it was one or not, everything came out fine & there was no heart attack. The doctor figured it was brought on by stress since there had been a wickedly bad family fight at our house over the weekend....and the worst part of it was sunday night.

it could be anxiety but in all honestly you need to go to the doctor to be checked out! because it could be something much more dangerous and I would hate for something bad to happen just because you blew off the pain as anxiety. Get a full physical and don't let them blow you off either! If it's anxiety it will go away when you lie down and take deep breathes, if you do that next time you feel the pain and it doesn't go away then it may be something more serious. Of course you know that is where your heart is located, so this is very important to get it checked out!!!! And these days doctors are MUCH to quick to write off anything they can't immediately find a reason for as a symptom of stress! It's such a freaking cop out. I've been told that b4 and had to go to several different doctors to actually find out what was really wrong! So when you go do NOT say anything about being stressed out, only if they ask you okay? Just go in for a physical like I said and if you are not comfortable going to the same doctor you went to b4 then by all means find a different one to go to!! There are lots of shitty doctors that don't take the time to really listen to there patients anymore, so it's up to you to make sure you are getting the proper care you need.

Hi there. I am sorry you are feeling like this. I will tell you what, right now, I am dealing with the SAME thing, only my chest tightness or pressure is all across my chest! Stress very well can cause that. It is amazing what stress can do to our bodies.

I think what you should do is get back in with your doctor. I know that it can be scary as hell. No one wants to think that soemthing is wrong with them. The fact of the matter is though, it is better to find out. You said you are a new mother. Dont' you wanna stick around to watch your baby grow?

I am not going to say that stress IS the reason for your pains...but it is likely. Talk to your doctor, and tell him everything you told us.

I wanna wish you all the best!!!

I'm no doc, but maybe your having acid reflux disease or it could be anxiety attacks or stress your best bet is to seek an second opionion about this illness if u don't feel secure about what your current doc is telling u.

I don't know if this will help, but I have the exact same thing, for almost a year now. I have had constant chest pains. They range from tightness, stabbing, burning, aching, etc. The pains even go into my upper back and down my arm. I've had countless physical exams, ekgs, and a thallium stress test, which all came back normal. My doc attributes it to anxiety and panic but my antidepressants made all the other symptoms go away, except for that one. So, it definitly can be a persistent symptom of anxiety and stress. Here's what I would say. Like a previous answerer said, don't mention your stress right away and get a second opinion. You would definitly rather be safe than sorry. On the other hand, with all the things going on in your life, it seems more likely that its' stress. Plus, its' quite normal to have depression and anxiety after giving birth due to hormone levels changing. I also read many times that heart disease in women in childbearing age is very uncommon because apparently estrogen protects the heart in some way. So, everything considered, get yourself to another doc, just to check. Then, maybe consider going to a therapist as well to help you deal with the stressors you are having. Finally, try not to let yourself become consumed by this. If something is wrong, they will fix you!! Sorry for rambling and you are not alone cause I have it all the time! Congrats on your new baby!!

I have felt very similar before during a stressfull period of my life. I really had the irregular heartbeats. My dad has had that before because of stress. You really need to find some ways to relieve the stress. Stress is really hard on your body. If you are still feeling scared, definantly talk to the doctor again or go for a second opinion. But, do try and focus on relieving some stress.

Good luck to you.

What did your doc do to determine that what you were experiencing was due to stress? Symptoms sound very much like stress, but they could be from STABLE angina. Ask your doc.

In my opinion, it's better to have that piece of mind that there's not underlying cardiovascular disease.

Are you dealing with costochondritis, symptoms of which are sometimes pretty confusing? I'd go back to the doc and say you know it could be stress, but you're really concerned about the chest pains.

Absolutely possible to be caused by stress. Stress can cause many illnesses....

People with anxiety usually have depression. The symptoms you mentioned are definitely that of anxiety, but of course you want to check with your doctor. If the breathing because difficult and you feel chest pain just sit down or lie down if possible. You will want to try to slow your breath and relax....I know it's difficult, but it will help. If it ever feels so bad you feel like your going to die...just remember that you won't and that it will pass. Panic attacks usually subside within 20 minutes. I have anxiety, but have only had a few panic attacks, but I do have daily nausea and vomiting if not medicated. You will be surprised the different symptoms your body will mimic in order to get your attention that something isn't right and you need help. The anxiety may settle down once your used to your new life, but it's not worth ignoring in the meanwhile. Good luck.

yes anxiety can cause chest disconfort. It will make you feel like you are having a heart attact. There is a saying stress will kill you, and it will if you don't get a hold of it. if you are experiencing irregular heart beats you need to see a Dr. asap. it maybve a sign of something serious. good luck!!! But you do need to learn how to deal with the stress, you are going through.

get a second doctor's opinion!!!!

It can be. Signs of a heart attack and anxiety are somewhat similar, especially in females. You should see a doctor ASAP to be on the safe side. Stress can KILL you. I know, my mom died at 50 due to stress, and I have experienced the same signs as you, and it was diagnosed as a anxiety attack. Take care and let go of some of that STUFF in your life. Trust me, it's not worth it.

What you are describing are the classic symptoms of a panic attack which is a result of anxiety and stress it also could be a physical problem I would advise you to see a medical doctor and depending on their findings go to a good counselor this disorder if it is panic attacks is very treatable but if left alone can progress into a bigger problem

I'm not a doctor but I did have the same problem.... Yes it is caused by stress. The doctor woulda done a Kge and obliusly it came out normal. YOU should really try to rid yourself of the stress as soon as possible( I know no job and all easier said then done) What worked for me is going for a walk. I just put my kid in the stroller and just walked around by myself. You can even try and ask the hubby to watch the baby( a half on hour can do wonders) As far as the no job thing go on food stamps(yes I'm on them no shame there) Not only will they give you food, they can also help you find a job.

Yes...Stress is a major contributor in a lot of medical strains on your body. It can cause migranes, stroke like symptoms, gas, fatigue, depression, aches and pains everywhere but unexplainable by you, and yet you've had all kinds of tests' ran, "doctor" says your fine? Okay..first you are fine, you are stressed, STRESSED TO THE EXTREME. Now, you must do something about it, or its going to physically going to kill you. My doctor told me if I did not rid my body of stress, I would end up in a"rubber room", and/or dead.
The trick, easy, first find a good psycologist...someone you can talk to, not a physcyitrist, you don't need medicine, you need calmness. Here's one way. Take 30 minutes to you each day. In that 30 minutes, get a relaxing music CD, play it, sit back or lay down, and in your mind, take all your worries, one by one and put them in individual boxes, then put them in a big storage locker, when each worry is in their box, and all are in the locker, close the locker and lock it. Continue to relax. Now pick a place that you feel would be your favorite place in the whole world, that you feel safe in, and no one could hurt you there. When your there, open the locker, and take out one box. Deal with one worry at a time, as long as it takes till it's gone. The ideal of this exercise is to be confortable with your surroundings and at ease with your body, at the same time being able to deal with your problems on an even plane without stress being there. A calm enviroment is what your body is craving, more importantly it is telling you, that's what it needs. It is giving you warnings to change your life style.

Talk with your doc about post-partum depression. Drugs is not always the answer to everything. some counselling could help you also.

Your chest pain is most likely stress-related - it sounds like you have a lot going on in your life right now. If you feel that it is more than that please go back to your doctor. Women present different heart attack symptoms than men do - so don't hesitate to go back to your doctor with your concerns.