Why Does My Upper Chest Feel Heavy When I Am Feeling Extremely Anxious?

Why Does My Upper Chest Feel Heavy When I Am Feeling Extremely Anxious?

1. Introduction A heavy sensation in the upper chest during periods of acute anxiety is primarily caused by the physiological fight-or-flight response, which triggers intense, involuntary contraction of the intercostal and pectoral muscles. Additionally, stress-induced shallow breathing alters the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a perceived restriction and oppressive … Read more