Chest Pain in Panic Attacks
By Eileen Bailey
Chest pains are frequently a part of anxiety attacks. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) lists chest pains as a symptom of panic disorder and is common in other types of anxiety disorders as well.
作为焦虑的一部分，胸痛通常不会被认为是危险的。但胸痛也可以发出心脏病发作并要求立即医疗。对于突然恐慌发作的人来说，完整的胸痛，可能难以知道差异并了解是否寻求医疗保健。
What is Chest Pain?
Chest pain or discomfort occurs between the neck and the upper abdomen and is located in the front of the body. It can be caused by both serious and benign reasons. There are a number of organs and tissues in the chest area that can cause pain or discomfort in addition to the heart. The lungs and esophagus as well as the ribs, various muscles and tendons which can become inflamed due to illness or injury and cause pain.
典型与不典型胸痛
胸痛往往被视为“典型的”或“非典型”。典型的胸痛是“乳房的痛苦感受到扼杀轰动的轰动，焦虑和左右疼痛的射击。”[1]All other chest pains are classified as atypical. Typical chest pains are considered to be closely associated with cardiac problems. Atypical chest pains, however, are not always specific. Sometimes people have atypical chest pains from severe cardiac problems. Other times, atypical pains can significant a less serious problem.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Heart attacks can begin suddenly and leave little doubt that someone is having a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention. Some heart attacks, however, begin much slower, with pressure and pain building up, leaving someone wondering if they are having a heart attack or if something else may be happening.
根据美国心脏协会的说法[2], the following are warning signs of a heart attack and all signal a reason to seek immediate medical attention:
Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in on or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
For any of these signs, call 911 to receive immediate medical care. The sooner a heart attack is treated, the better chance of a full recovery.
Chest Pain in an Anxiety Attack
During a panic or anxiety attack, adrenaline levels rise, breathing becomes faster and the heart beats quicker. These are all the result of the "fight or flight" response to a situation that is part of a panic attack. These symptoms can bring about chest pain, making someone experiencing a panic attack believe they are having a heart attack.
The best way to avoid a panic attack is to seek treatment. Treatment for panic attacks often involves medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition, there are some things you can do to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks:
See a doctor to determine if your symptoms are not caused by any physical illness or injury. If you experience chest pains, it is important to rule out any heart disease or condition that may be contributing to your pain or discomfort.
Eat a healthy diet.
Incorporate exercise into your daily routines. Experts agree that daily exercise helps to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Learn relaxation techniques and strategies such as deep breathing or meditation to help you relax and reduce a panic attack.
如果您的焦虑症状阻止您从做您想要做的事情，请限制您的活动或干扰您的日常生活，请联系您的医生或其他医疗专业人士。焦虑是一种可治疗的病情，许多人患有健康，快乐和令人满意的生活。
参考：
恐慌症，彼得火腿，M.D.，David B. Waters，博士，M. Norman Oliver，M.D.，2005年，美国家庭医师学院
[1]Values and Limitations of Chest Pain History in the Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes, Clifford J. Swap, M.D., John T. Nagurney M.D. MPH, 2005, Nov 23, Journal of the American Medical Association
[2]Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs, 2008, American Heart Association
