Why does my chest feel tight when I'm anxious?
Anxiety & Stress
Anxiety-related chest tightness is a physical manifestation of your body's fight-or-flight response, not usually a sign of a heart problem.
When you feel anxious, your body releases Psychological stress hormones that can cause your muscles, including those in your chest, to tense up. This is a normal part of the fight-or-flight response. While it can be frightening and mimic symptoms of a heart attack, Anxiety disorder-related chest tightness is typically harmless. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and anxiety/what-is-grounding-and-how-to-use-it" class="internal-link">sensory grounding techniques can help relax these muscles. If you're concerned about your heart, it's always wise to consult a healthcare provider for peace of mind.