Stress is a part of everyday life, especially in the fast-paced world in which we live, but stress can take a toll on your body and health if it is out of control. Often, chest pain related to stress can be frightening because the heartbeat is quickened, and you may think you are experiencing a heart attack. Reducing or eliminating the elements in our lives that are causing stress can decrease chest pains and other possible side effects of stress.
Identification
Stress is the body's natural way of reacting to situations that can make you feel threatened or circumstances that disrupt harmonious thoughts. Hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) are released in the body, sending signals that put your body on high alert.
Function
Once the stress related hormones kick in, your heart rate increases, senses are heightened, blood pressure rises and breathing is heavier, faster.
Effects
Because stress affects us physically and our heart rate and blood pressure rises, chest pain is often a side effect of continued or prolonged stress. However, chest pain associated with stress or another reason should be checked by your health care provider as soon as possible.
Considerations
Healthy stress is necessary to react appropriately to situations requiring heightened awareness, such as a physical threat or workplace stress. However, chronic stress can lead to potentially serious medical conditions. Chest pain associated with stress is not considered healthy or normal stress.
Prevention/Solution
Obtaining a healthy balance between work and home, and letting go of situations beyond our control, will assist in stress reduction and its physical and emotional symptoms. Work to achieve a balance by connecting with family and friends, learning to relax and talking with you doctor for advice on deal with stress.
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