Have you ever felt your chest suddenly pounding and pounding for no particular reason? As if you had just run a long distance. Or do you feel like something is rolling inside your chest, skipping a beat and then pounding again? This is something that happens to many people. This can happen especially when you are feeling a lot of fear, pressure, or anxiety, which is what we call ``Anxiety''. So, don't be afraid. Let's talk about this clearly today.
Simply put, what are these heart palpitations?
The word 'Heart Palpitations' may scare some people. But the simplest meaning of this is that you start to feel your heart beating very well. Normally, we don't feel our heart beating. But at this time,
- The heart may feel like it is beating loudly and rapidly .
- You may feel like a butterfly fluttering in your chest .
- The heartbeat may feel like it skipped one time, and then beat faster the next .
- It may feel like your heart is beating irregularly , beating faster, then slower, then faster again.
This feeling can occur in the chest, neck, or throat. Sometimes it goes away in a few seconds. Other times it can last for minutes.
Why does anxiety cause chest pain? What is the connection?
Imagine you're walking down the street and a big dog suddenly jumps at you. What happens to you? You feel cold, sweaty, and your chest starts pounding, right? That's our body's natural defense mechanism. We call it the "fight or flight response."
When you feel scared, anxious, or stressed, your brain thinks you are in danger. At that time, the brain sends signals to the body to prepare to face that "danger." At the same time, our body releases hormones like adrenaline . One of the main functions of these hormones is to speed up the heart rate. This is because they pump blood and oxygen to the muscles of the body quickly, giving you the energy to fight or run away.
So, this is what happens when you have `(Anxiety)`. Whether it's a problem at work, an exam, or a fear of speaking in front of people, your brain can signal it as a "danger." Then the `(Fight or Flight)` response is activated, adrenaline increases, and your chest starts to beat faster.
The important thing is that this chest tightness caused by anxiety is usually not dangerous. It's just your body's natural response to your emotions.
When should we be concerned about chest pain?
Although chest pain caused by anxiety is usually not dangerous, not all chest pain is caused by anxiety. Sometimes it can be a sign of a health problem. Therefore, if you have any of the symptoms listed below along with chest pain, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. This means going to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.
| Warning signs that require immediate attention | |
|---|---|
| Chest pain or discomfort | Feeling of tightness or constriction in the chest. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing. |
| Spinning (spinning) | Feeling dizzy, eyes turning blue, difficulty standing. |
| Fainting | Syncope is the feeling of fainting or loss of consciousness. |
Other causes of chest pain without anxiety
- Heart rhythm problems (Arrhythmias): For example, conditions like `(Atrial Fibrillation - Afib)`.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle due to a viral infection.
- Thyroid problems: Especially hyperthyroidism.
- Structural heart problems: Things like heart valve disease.
- Other causes: excessive caffeine (coffee, tea) or alcohol consumption, certain medications, anemia (blood deficiency).
How does the doctor diagnose this condition?
When you go to see a doctor to talk about this, he or she will first talk to you thoroughly. There is no need to be afraid. Be clear about how you feel. The doctor may ask you things like:
- How long have you been feeling this chest pain? How long has it been? How many times a day do you feel it?
- How do you feel before this happens? Do you feel scared or anxious?
- What medications (including vitamins and herbal remedies) do you take?
- What are your eating habits? How much coffee, tea, and energy drinks do you drink? Do you drink alcohol?
- Does anyone in your family have heart disease?
Then, the doctor will place a stethoscope on your chest and examine it. If necessary, he or she may order additional tests to determine the exact cause.
- Blood tests: Check for anemia, thyroid hormone levels, and mineral levels like potassium (hypokalemia).
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): A test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This can check for any abnormalities in the heart's rhythm.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): This is a scan of the heart. It can check the structure of the heart, the function of the valves, and how well the heart is pumping blood.
- Holter Monitor: This is a small device that you wear for a day or two. It continuously records your heart activity while you go about your daily activities.
- Event Recorder: You can use this for a few weeks. When you feel a heartbeat, press a button on it and an ECG will be recorded at that time.
How to treat chest pain caused by anxiety?
After tests, if your doctor confirms that your chest tightness is due to ``Anxiety'', treatment will primarily focus on managing your ``Anxiety'' condition. Because when the cause is treated, the symptom (chest tightness) will automatically decrease.
Psychotherapy
This is a very effective method. We also call it 'Talk Therapy'. Here, you talk about your problems with a trained counselor or psychiatrist, who helps you identify and change the thought patterns that are causing your ``Anxiety''. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a very effective method that is commonly used for this.
Medications
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medication to control the condition.
- Medications like anti-anxiety medications (anxiolytics) and antidepressants can help control anxiety in the long term.
- Medications like beta-blockers reduce the effects of the hormone adrenaline, controlling physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and trembling.
- BenzodiazepinesAlthough these types of medications provide quick relief in an emergency, they should only be used very rarely and for a short period of time, as they carry a risk of addiction.
Lifestyle changes and palliative measures
In addition to medication, there are many things you can do yourself. By making these a part of your life, you can better control both anxiety and palpitations.
Ways to control chest pain instantly
Imagine that you suddenly have an anxiety attack and your chest starts to pound. Don't panic at that moment, try doing these things.
- Deep Breathing: This is the best and quickest way. Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose (counting 4). As you breathe in, you should feel your hand on your stomach move forward. Then hold your breath for 1-2 seconds and slowly exhale through your mouth (counting 6). Do this a few times and you will feel your heart rate gradually return to normal.
- Mindfulness: Pay attention to where you are. Try to identify 5 things you see, 4 sounds you hear, 3 things you touch, 2 things you smell, and 2 things you taste (even a little water). This will help your mind clear of fear and bring you back to the present.
- Cold water: Splash some cold water on your face. Or drink a glass of cold water regularly. This helps calm the nervous system.
- Walk: If possible, go for a short walk. Look at your surroundings. This will distract your mind.
Remember, the most important thing is to tell yourself at that time, "This is just anxiety, this is not dangerous, this will go away in a little while."
Take-Home Message
- Heart palpitations due to anxiety are very common. Most of the time, this is not a dangerous condition.
- This is due to your body's natural "fight or flight" response.
- However, if you have symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness (lightheadedness), or loss of consciousness along with your chest pain, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have any doubts or concerns about your chest pain, never be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
- Relaxation techniques such as psychotherapy, medication, and deep breathing are very helpful in managing anxiety.
- Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's a strong sign that you care about your health.
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