Is this a symptom of anxiety?

[BananaLlamaFarmer]

Ok, so I’ve had a few stressful things on my mind recently, I could really do with talking things through with someone but haven’t been able to…

Even tried to ring the Samaritans just to talk to someone but they didn’t answer. Anyway, that’s beside the point, my actual question is, as I’ve felt more and more stressed, I’ve begun to get chest pains. Not bad enough to be worried about, but is this related to the stress and anxiety? Sorry if this is an obvious question!

Thanks.

Yes I get chest pains with my anxiety but you should always get it checked out if it is new to you. Take care of yourself x

Yup, you're tensing yourself and making your muscles sore. It's one of the many ways bastard anxiety tricks you into thinking you have something physically wrong with you.

Thanks, it kind of feels like the feeling when my blood pressure goes through the roof… I guess some meditation and deep breathing is in order to try to calm down!

Hi op, if you need help for anxiety you may be able to self refer for talking therapies, it’s not an immediate appointment though so if your anxiety and stress symptoms are worsening, talk to the GP. You may find medication beneficial. I hope things improve for you
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/

For something to calm you quite quickly, this has been proven to reduce anxiety by up to 60%

If you are very slightly hyperventilating then that would cause chest pains. If you would like to know more about that then you can google "Chronic hyperventilation".

If you work do you have access to employee assistance? Many companies have it and you’ll have access to talking therapies.
The IAPT linked up thread is very good.
Also free and very good is able futures. 9 months MH support.
https://able-futures.co.uk/

Hi.. I had quite bad sharp left sided chest pains on the night of my mums funeral which I stupidly ignored (as I didn't want to potentially miss the funeral).
I then had chest pain at work as well.
I was upset and anxious that day too.

So I did the right thing and contacted my gp who called me in for an ecg that day; it was checked straight away by a doctor who said the ecg was fine & my chest pain was most likely stress related not cardiac.
I've since had an echocardiogram as another gp found a heart murmur.. the consultant I saw said my echo & ecgs were absolutely fine and the murmur was benign. So I was reassured.

They did say however to call the gp / 999 if I get bad chest pain again 'just to be on the safe side'.

Basically if you have left sided or central chest pain you should always either call your gp practice (if they are open & if you can get hold of them quickly); call 999 ambulance or attend A&E.
I was stupid to leave my symptoms.
Clinicians would rather see someone with anxiety related chest pain than miss someone having a heart attack.
Heart attacks in women can often present with less severe pain than in men.
At no point was I made to feel I was wasting anyone's time.

Also just read your other post - it sounds like you're having bp issues too? I think a trip to the gp to get that under control is needed as it shouldn't be 'going through the roof' anxious or not - high bp is a stroke risk.

Yes absolutely it can be, that's why anxiety then gets caught in a cycle.
Alternative to Samaritans is CALM
Campaign against living miserably. Lots of helpful resources on the website, you can speak to them either by phone or web chat 5pm-midnight 365 days a year
0800 58 58 58
https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Thank you so much everyone, it has actually meant a lot to me yep that you are all here offering help, it is much appreciated!

Sorry, I don’t know where that random yep came from! 😂