What causes chest pain when angry?

Apr 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xin
Introduction
Chest pain caused by anger may result from emotional agitation, increased adrenaline secretion, cardiac neurosis, angina pectoris, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, patients are advised to quit smoking, follow a low-salt and low-fat diet, avoid staying up late, which can be beneficial for recovery.

Chest pain caused by anger may result from emotional excitement, increased adrenaline secretion, cardiac neurosis, angina pectoris, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a professional physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Emotional Excitement

During anger, heightened emotions can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an accelerated heart rate and blood vessel constriction. These physiological responses may cause chest pain, but such pain is usually temporary and gradually resolves once emotions stabilize, so there is generally no need for excessive concern.

2. Increased Adrenaline Secretion

Anger triggers increased secretion of adrenaline, which is part of the body's stress response. Adrenaline causes vasoconstriction and a faster heart rate, and its elevated levels may lead to chest pain. It is recommended to relieve emotional stress through activities such as walking or listening to soft music, which can help alleviate discomfort.

3. Cardiac Neurosis

This is a condition caused by dysfunction of the nervous system, often associated with long-term mental stress and anxiety. Anger may disrupt nerve function, causing symptoms such as chest pain and palpitations, and may also be accompanied by insomnia. Patients are advised to take medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, oryzanol tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets under a doctor’s supervision to improve symptoms.

4. Angina Pectoris

This condition may be related to factors such as excessive mental exertion or overeating. Anger may lead to insufficient blood supply in the coronary arteries, resulting in temporary myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, thereby triggering angina. Symptoms typically include chest pain and tightness, and the pain may radiate to the precordial area or left upper limb. Patients are advised to take medications such as amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium tablets, metoprolol tartrate tablets, or bisoprolol fumarate tablets as prescribed.

5. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

This condition may be associated with long-term smoking and unhealthy dietary habits. The disease can lead to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. Anger may exacerbate myocardial ischemia, causing chest pain, possibly accompanied by shortness of breath. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as simvastatin dispersible tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, or isosorbide dinitrate tablets for treatment.

In daily life, patients are advised to quit smoking, adhere to a low-salt, low-fat diet, consume appropriate amounts of fresh vegetables such as radish, cabbage, and lettuce, drink plenty of warm water, and avoid staying up late, all of which are beneficial for recovery.