How to relieve rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, tension, and anxiety

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, nervousness, and anxiety may be caused by overexertion, emotional stress, hyperthyroidism, arrhythmia, generalized anxiety disorder, etc. These symptoms can be improved through rest, emotional support, and medication. If symptoms occur frequently or are accompanied by chest pain or dizziness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, nervousness, and anxiety may be caused by excessive fatigue, emotional stress, hyperthyroidism, arrhythmia, generalized anxiety disorder, etc. These symptoms can be improved through rest, emotional support, and medication. If symptoms occur frequently or are accompanied by chest pain or dizziness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Excessive fatigue: Long-term sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion lead to decreased bodily function and relatively insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, resulting in rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and chest discomfort. It is recommended to immediately stop overexertion, ensure adequate sleep, avoid strenuous exercise, and gradually restore physical condition.

2. Emotional stress: Sudden major events or prolonged mental pressure can cause sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to increased heart rate, anxiety, tension, and chest discomfort. It is recommended to relax the body and mind through deep breathing and meditation, communicate with others, and share feelings to relieve psychological stress.

3. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates metabolism and increases myocardial excitability, causing rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, along with heat intolerance, sweating, and irritability. It is recommended to take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol sustained-release tablets under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

4. Arrhythmia: Abnormal cardiac rhythm due to disordered electrical signaling in the heart muscle causes tachycardia or irregular heartbeat, manifesting as palpitations, chest tightness, anxiety, and possibly dizziness and fatigue. Patients may use medications such as metoprolol sustained-release tablets, Wenxin Granules, and propafenone tablets under a doctor's guidance to improve symptoms.

5. Generalized anxiety disorder: Persistent excessive worry leads to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in ongoing anxiety, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and palpitations that affect daily life. Patients may follow medical advice to use sertraline tablets, paroxetine tablets, or oryzanol tablets to manage symptoms.

Maintain a regular schedule and ensure sufficient sleep; eat a light, balanced diet and avoid spicy or stimulating foods; engage moderately in gentle exercises such as walking or yoga; maintain a positive mood and promptly address negative emotions.

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Can mild pulmonary hypertension be cured?

In general, whether mild pulmonary hypertension can be cured depends on whether the underlying cause is clear and removable. Cases secondary to left heart disease or lung diseases often improve once the underlying cause is addressed; however, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is difficult to cure completely and requires long-term management. Patients with mild pulmonary hypertension should avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, refrain from strenuous exercise and high-altitude environments, and reduce stress on the lungs in daily life.