Your symptoms may be consistent with anxiety and recurrent panic attacks, which can cause racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness/pain, breathlessness and muscle tension. However, chest pain should not automatically be attributed to anxiety, even when it occurs during stressful episodes. A medical evaluation is advisable to rule out cardiac,
thyroid or other physical causes.
Next Steps
Consult a physician/psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for proper assessment. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques and, when indicated, medication can be very effective. From a physiotherapy perspective, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, gentle stretching and regular graded aerobic exercise may help reduce physical tension and improve regulation of breathing during anxiety.
Health Tips
During an episode, try slow breathing with a longer, relaxed exhalation rather than forceful deep breaths. Maintain regular sleep, meals and physical activity. If chest pain is new/severe, persistent, occurs with exertion, or is accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, fainting or pain spreading to the arm/jaw/back, seek urgent medical attention.