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DOES A SUDDEN SHARP PAIN IN THE CHEST SIGNALS ISSUES WITH THE HEART?


Have you experienced sudden chest pain? Chest pain is described as having a sudden crushing pain in the middle of the chest. It can feel like there’s a stone that’s pressing on the chest, making it difficult to breathe. The pain usually last for more than 10minutes and it can spread to the neck area as well as the left arm. 

Other symptoms that accompany a classic heart attack include:

  • Sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea 
  • Dizziness
  • Irregular heartbeat

Types of Chest Pain

If the chest pain you experienced does not last as long as 10 minutes, it is probably not a heart attack but just a temporary reduction of blood flow to the heart. This type of chest pain is also known as angina. It is recurring chest pain and can happen when you are exercising, resting or both.

Other than these two types of chest pain, there are other causes of chest pain that is not linked to the heart at all. It may be due to overstraining of the muscle during exercise, resulting in a pulled muscle that causes a chest pain. Or you might have an accident that caused an injury to the chest area, causing chest pain. 

Lung infections such as pneumonia, can also be the reason why you felt chest pain when you breathe. When you have a lung infection, the membrane surrounding the lungs become inflamed. Whether you are sneezing, coughing or breathing, as long as you are using your lungs, it becomes painful. 

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Chest pain can also be related to anxiety and stress. You will also find yourself short of breath and dizziness.  

No matter what chest pain you experienced, if you find it recurring, consult your doctor or your TCM physician to determine the cause of it. 

Home Treatments For Anxiety-Induced Chest Pains

If your tests come back negative, your chest pain might be due to anxiety or stress! Here are several tips for you to reduce stress and anxiety at home. Find one that works best for you!

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Exercise

Some find running a good way to let off some steam and destress! If running is not your thing, yoga is another popular exercise that can help you to relax your mind as well as body.

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Split Your Tasks

The thought of having to complete all the tasks in one day is daunting and stressful. Get a journal and split up the more time-consuming or stressful tasks in various days so that it does not feel overwhelming. This can help to keep your stress level low during the day.

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Socialize regularly

While some of us thrive socializing with others, some of us prefer to do activities alone. Whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, we still need to socialize from time to time! Have you ever felt better after talking about an issue with your friends? That’s because talking with your friends really do help with your stress! Sometimes, advice from friends and family can also shed some positivity in your situation.

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Meditate

It’s also a good practice to take some time in the morning before you start work to clear your thoughts and prep for the day ahead.