Chest tightness and heaviness can result from many causes, ranging from mental health issues like anxiety and stress to physical conditions affecting the heart, lungs, muscles, or digestive system.
Common Causes Include:
- Heart-related issues such as angina or a heart attack, which cause squeezing, pressure, or heaviness in the chest.
- Anxiety and panic attacks that produce muscle tension, chest tightness, and faster heart rate.
- Muscle strain especially of the intercostal muscles between the ribs, caused by injury or overuse.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid reflux causes burning, pain, or tightness in the chest.
- Lung problems like pneumonia, pleurisy, or pulmonary embolism can cause chest discomfort.
- Other factors include rib inflammation (costochondritis), nerve pain, and stress responses tightening chest muscles.
If the chest tightness is severe or comes with symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating, immediate medical attention is important to rule out a heart attack or other serious conditions. For less urgent causes like muscle strain or anxiety, treatment may involve rest, medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes. Given the wide range of possible causes, identifying the specific reason for chest tightness requires careful evaluation by a healthcare professional.
