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What Causes Heaviness In Chest When Suffering From Anxiety?
Question: I am having a feeling of heaviness in my chest. I experienced anxiety attacks after my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly, but they occurred at night and this is most of the day. Angina? High BP? I am looking for natural remedies as I am not going on prescription drugs. Suggestions?
Brief Answer:
rule out BP and get ECG& follow steps
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
This is most likely stress related but at your age it is wise to rule out cardiac factors first. Please get your blood pressure readings and an ECG. If these are in normal limits then one can safley move ahead with stress managment.
You donot want to go for drugs; so, there are some other measures which you can try.
1. include more of salad servings 4-5 times in daily diet, preffably green
2. if possible learn relaxation exercises- like : deep breathing or progressive muscular relaxation. I have found them very effective in my patients of panic attacks.
3. try to be in company of someone and avoid being alone..remaining alone and aloof will make these attacks and complaints more frequent.
4. if possible include walnuts(1-2) and almonds (3-5) daily diet.
5. the most important step is being more active. Go for regular walks, brisk walk is better and even jogging is helpful. This physical exercise will help in release of positive hormone relase and ease suffering related anxiety.
6. I have seen good results in patients who join a gym regularly. So, if you can get a good gym and a trainer-- go for it.
7. try to take small frequent meals and avoid tea and coffee. This will help. You may take green tea, but after meals.
Wish you speedy recovery.
Please ask more questions for clarification.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
rule out BP and get ECG& follow steps
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
This is most likely stress related but at your age it is wise to rule out cardiac factors first. Please get your blood pressure readings and an ECG. If these are in normal limits then one can safley move ahead with stress managment.
You donot want to go for drugs; so, there are some other measures which you can try.
1. include more of salad servings 4-5 times in daily diet, preffably green
2. if possible learn relaxation exercises- like : deep breathing or progressive muscular relaxation. I have found them very effective in my patients of panic attacks.
3. try to be in company of someone and avoid being alone..remaining alone and aloof will make these attacks and complaints more frequent.
4. if possible include walnuts(1-2) and almonds (3-5) daily diet.
5. the most important step is being more active. Go for regular walks, brisk walk is better and even jogging is helpful. This physical exercise will help in release of positive hormone relase and ease suffering related anxiety.
6. I have seen good results in patients who join a gym regularly. So, if you can get a good gym and a trainer-- go for it.
7. try to take small frequent meals and avoid tea and coffee. This will help. You may take green tea, but after meals.
Wish you speedy recovery.
Please ask more questions for clarification.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I forgot to mention I have occasional tingling in my left jaw and some shortness of breath. I like to hike, but have not done as much this year as in past years. Had BP checked yesterday - 118/60. It is hard to not be alone when you are a widow!!! Thank you for the natural suggestions.
Brief Answer:
these are commonly seen in anxiety states
Detailed Answer:
hello,
Thankyou for writing back and mentioning new symptoms.
The symptoms like tingling in various body parts especially face and extremities, and shortness of breath is frequently seen in anxiety complaints. The remedies mentioned above (in previous answer) will certainly help in relaxing your mind and also bring peace to you...this would eventually help in your somatic symptoms as well.
It must be difficult for you after death of your partner, but finally this hard truth needs to be accepted and faced and you must move ahead...you have a long life left to live. There are many people in this world and may be even near you who have a more difficult lifetime...nothing ever stops in the nature with any good or bad event, life/nature still moves on and so we must. You have asked this query because somewhere you too want to live again.. please increase this spirit and get moving. You Can!
You should look around for options which will help you meet others or socialize more.. May be join a group or become active on social media or simply become a volunteer in some support groups...helping others is the best way known to help oneself.
You have complaints of low blood pressure (leading to tingling, dizziness, weakness or lightheadedness) which is also seen in anxiety and depressive states; taking more water or liquids and eating small frequent meals will help this.
I hope the reply is useful for you.
Please ask if there is anything more bothering you, I will certainly try to help you.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
these are commonly seen in anxiety states
Detailed Answer:
hello,
Thankyou for writing back and mentioning new symptoms.
The symptoms like tingling in various body parts especially face and extremities, and shortness of breath is frequently seen in anxiety complaints. The remedies mentioned above (in previous answer) will certainly help in relaxing your mind and also bring peace to you...this would eventually help in your somatic symptoms as well.
It must be difficult for you after death of your partner, but finally this hard truth needs to be accepted and faced and you must move ahead...you have a long life left to live. There are many people in this world and may be even near you who have a more difficult lifetime...nothing ever stops in the nature with any good or bad event, life/nature still moves on and so we must. You have asked this query because somewhere you too want to live again.. please increase this spirit and get moving. You Can!
You should look around for options which will help you meet others or socialize more.. May be join a group or become active on social media or simply become a volunteer in some support groups...helping others is the best way known to help oneself.
You have complaints of low blood pressure (leading to tingling, dizziness, weakness or lightheadedness) which is also seen in anxiety and depressive states; taking more water or liquids and eating small frequent meals will help this.
I hope the reply is useful for you.
Please ask if there is anything more bothering you, I will certainly try to help you.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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