Can Stress Cause Chest Pain? Understanding the Impact on Heart Health
According to The American Institute of Stress, about 44% of seniors ages 50 to 80 feel stressed. Stress affects the body's ability to respond to inflammation, which may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions.
Can stress cause chest pain, though? In a word, yes!
What exactly is the connection between stress and heart health, and how can you start managing stress naturally? Read on to find out!
Stress and Heart Health
Stress can cause your blood pressure to rise, putting a strain on the heart. When stress levels decline, blood pressure should as well. If you have chronic stress, however, consistently mid-to-high levels of stress can keep your blood pressure elevated.
This can make your heart work harder. Other symptoms of chronic stress include:
- Low energy
- Changes in social behaviors
- Emotional withdrawal
- Aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of motivation
- Changes in emotional responses to others
Chronic stress is associated with diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. If you experience these symptoms regularly, consult a doctor. They'll determine if an underlying condition is contributing to your symptoms.
Indirect Connections
Stress can cause dramatic changes to your appetite. You could gain or lose weight. Obesity and being severely underweight can both cause poor heart health.
Poor sleep can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Inadequate sleep can leave you feeling groggy during the day, which can trigger stress.
Feeling tired and stressed may cause you to make unhealthy decisions. You may be too tired to cook a healthy meal or exercise, causing additional health issues.
Exercise
Exercise can help your heart become stronger and more efficient. This helps it pump blood throughout the body, benefiting other bodily symptoms.
Exercising regularly increases blood flow to muscles and increases oxygen levels in the blood. Your blood vessels will deliver more oxygen to the body while efficiently removing waste products.
Exercise may help reduce your risk for coronary heart disease. This condition causes plaque to build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow. A blood clot may form, leading to a heart attack.
Exercise may do the following:
- Lower blood pressure and triglycerides
- Help you maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Help you manage insulin and blood sugar levels
- Reduce the risk of a second heart attack
- Raise levels of "good" cholesterol
- Lower levels of "bad" cholesterol
Stress can affect our ability to function, but learning how to manage it may benefit cardiovascular health in seniors.
Can Stress Cause Chest Pain?
Can stress cause chest pain? Yes, especially if your stress is chronic and left unmanaged.
Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension, especially in the chest wall and upper body. This musculoskeletal chest pain anxiety can cause discomfort.
Chest pain from anxiety can stem from hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breaths). Hyperventilation can reduce oxygen levels in your blood, leading to discomfort.
What's the connection between high blood pressure and stress? Stress triggers the body to release hormones, which can cause blood vessels to narrow. This may cause blood pressure levels to rise, potentially increasing your risk of stroke and heart attacks.
According to the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care, 83% of patients are discharged with a non-cardiac reason for their chest pain.
In another study published in The American Journal of Cardiology, 47% of patients with low-risk chest pain had abnormal anxiety levels. These patients were more likely to have occasional recurring chest pain, leading to increased emergency department return visits.
Anxiety-related chest pain differs from cardiac-related chest pain. It's sometimes described as:
- Tightness or pressure in the chest
- Pain that fluctuates in intensity
- Sharp, localized, or stabbing pains
This pain is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, consult a medical professional right away.
Managing Stress Naturally
Managing stress naturally may reduce your risk of anxiety-related chest pain and other symptoms. Here are a few stress-relief techniques you can add to your daily routine.
Exercise
Remember, there's a connection between exercise, stress, and heart health. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily to strengthen your heart.
Regular exercise may help ease symptoms of stress. Explore your Knoxville senior living community's wellness program for exercise classes.
Be Mindful
Add mindfulness practices to your routine to ease feelings of stress and calm the mind. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present. You can recognize your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment, which may relieve tension.
Other effective relaxation techniques include:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Pilates
Explore your senior living community's events calendar for upcoming classes in Knoxville, TN. Practice these techniques outside of class the next time you feel stressed.
Adjust Your Diet
Protect your mind and body by eating nutrient-rich foods. Eating a balanced diet can provide your body with the fuel it needs to better cope with stress.
Explore your Knoxville senior living community's dining program for healthy meal options. You can consult a professional to develop a customized meal plan that suits your needs.
Get Good Sleep
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Remember, feeling groggy can affect your ability to function or lead to unhealthy choices.
If you're struggling to get enough sleep at night, improve your environment. Moving into a senior living community can help you relax before bed. Stick to a routine by going to bed at the same time each night.
Build a Support System
Building strong social connections may help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Otherwise, social isolation can worsen your symptoms.
Explore your senior living community's events calendar for opportunities to socialize. You can also discover support groups, volunteer opportunities, and professional health resources.
Better Cardiovascular Health in Seniors
To recap, can stress cause chest pain? Yes! Making a few improvements to your lifestyle, however, can reduce feelings of stress, potentially protecting your heart!
You don't have to start managing stress naturally alone. Instead, consider moving into a senior living community like Deane Hill Place Assisted Living & Memory Care in Knoxville, TN.
Our personalized care plans are tailored to each resident's unique needs. Enjoy our comfortable living options, engaging activities, and tranquil setting. Contact us now to schedule a tour!