Chest Pain and Stress: Symptoms, Causes, and Coping Strategies

May 19, 2025

The Connection Between Chest Pain And Stress: How To Cope

What to do if you feel chest pain

If you experience chest pain, even in mild cases, seek medical attention. Even if you suspect it may be non-life threatening, chest pain can be a sign of a severe medical issue. Seek medical attention so a doctor can evaluate your condition and, if necessary, take steps to neutralize any threat to your health. If your doctor evaluates you and concludes that you are experiencing stress or a panic attack, it may be beneficial to reach out to a mental health professional for further care.

If you’ve never had a panic attack and you feel pain in your chest, doctors recommend seeking medical care to rule out the possibility of a heart attack.

What does stress-induced chest pain feel like?

Anxiety chest pains, also known as stress-induced chest pain, might not feel the same for everyone, but many people report feelings of chest tension or tightness, stabbing pressure, a dull ache, burning, or numbness. You might also have an unusual spasm or muscle cramp in your chest. The pain may feel sharp and shooting or like a persistent ache. Some people experience heart palpitations when stressed, which can feel like an extra fast heartbeat or a skip in your heart. These palpitations may be normal when temporary. However, if you experience them frequently, contact your primary care physician.

What is the difference between chest pain from stress and chest pain from a heart attack?

It may be challenging to differentiate between chest pain from a heart attack and pain caused by stress, but there are some indicators. For example, if you are having chest pain brought on by exertion, it may be a sign of a physical heart issue such as high blood pressure or heart disease. In addition, constant chest pain, shortness of breath, and radiating pain down the arm may be signs of a heart attack.

If the chest pain is stress-related, you might experience it while resting. It may accompany an anxious feeling associated with a particular event or incident that is taking place. There might be stabbing or sharp pain, but when stress-related, it may last for five or ten seconds rather than a constant, extended amount of time.

Causes of anxiety or stress chest pain

A particular incident can cause chest pain, or it might emerge due to feelings of stress and anxiety over time. In many cases, the cause of anxiety chest pain or stress-related chest pain can be identified based on what is happening around you or what you are doing when it occurs. For example, perhaps you feel this way when dealing with a person who brings you stress, such as a coworker, your boss, or a family member. It may happen during a specific stressful situation, such as stop-and-go traffic, dealing with a difficult client at your job, or moving homes.

Part of treating chest pain related to stress is identifying its cause. If you cannot isolate the cause on your own, consider speaking to a therapist. An experienced therapist with an outside view might be able to better identify your stressors than you or someone close to you. The sooner you can identify what exacerbates your stress-related chest pain, the sooner you may devise solutions to reduce the pain.

Evidence-based approaches to managing stress-related chest pain

When dealing with stress-induced chest pain, a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical symptoms and underlying psychological factors is essential. At ReachLink, our licensed mental health professionals utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help clients understand and manage this challenging mind-body connection.

Telehealth therapy for stress management

Our virtual therapy platform provides convenient access to specialized care for stress and anxiety management. Through secure video sessions, ReachLink therapists can work with you to develop personalized strategies for reducing stress-related chest pain, including:

Cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify and reframe stress-inducing thought patterns
Mindfulness practices specifically designed to reduce physical tension
Progressive muscle relaxation exercises targeting chest tightness
Breathing techniques that can help during acute episodes
Lifestyle modifications to reduce overall stress levels

Holistic wellness strategies

Whether you make lifestyle changes, relationship changes, or changes to your workplace environment, devising a structured plan to reduce your stress levels may help you better relieve stress-induced chest pain. A few strategies to relieve daily stress include deep breathing exercises, meditation, healthy sleep habits, a healthy diet and exercise routine, and engaging in hobbies.

While you may have some success in relieving stress on your own, chest pain is often an advanced symptom that can worsen over time. If you’re experiencing stress-caused chest pain, it may be best to consult a mental health professional before taking at-home steps. Every client can be different, and a mental health professional may isolate your unique stressors, assess how you cope with them, and create alternatives for coping in the future.

The advantages of telehealth counseling for stress-related symptoms

Researchers have found that the mind-body connection exists, and psychological issues often manifest as physical symptoms in the body. Chest pains are one of the ways that your body might tell you something is wrong, whether physically or mentally.

When you experience chest pain, it can be crucial to take it seriously. If your stress is causing chest pain, knowing you’re not alone in coping with it may be helpful. Support from friends and family may be beneficial to coping with stress, but talking to a mental health professional or doctor can often be more effective.

Some people feel hesitant to speak with a therapist, which may hinder the progress toward treatment. If barriers like availability, convenience, and trepidation over speaking to a therapist face-to-face deter you from getting treatment, telehealth therapy offers an effective solution. ReachLink’s virtual platform provides mental health services on your schedule at your convenience via secure video sessions. Studies back up the efficiency of online therapy, showcasing how online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be as effective as in-person therapy for prolonged stress.

Our telehealth approach offers several advantages for those dealing with stress-related chest pain:

Immediate access to care without travel time or transportation barriers
Flexible scheduling options that accommodate busy lifestyles
The comfort of receiving support from your own home environment
Continuity of care with the same therapist regardless of location changes
Integration with self-help resources and digital tools for between-session support

Takeaway

Stress can be a leading cause of chest pain, and when it occurs, you may feel worried that it’s a sign of a physical issue. Although mental and physical health are often connected, first contact a medical doctor for support if unsure of what is causing your chest pain. Once you have determined that your pain is due to stress, consider reaching out to a ReachLink therapist for long-term support with stress reduction. Our evidence-based telehealth approach can provide you with the tools and strategies needed to manage stress-related chest pain and improve your overall quality of life.