How to manage stress-related chest pain and anxiety?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am seeking your guidance regarding my health concerns. I have been experiencing several symptoms that have been continuously troubling me, these include:

Hand tremors.
Chest pain and difficulty in breathing, especially during emotional stress.
Headaches that do not improve with routine medications.
Episodes of anxiety and panic are often accompanied by a sensation of breathlessness.

All of these symptoms began after I discovered that my husband was having an affair. Since then, I have been experiencing physical symptoms along with significant emotional distress.

I would like to understand which specialist I should consult and what the appropriate next steps should be. Please advise me on the recommended evaluations, tests, and treatment options.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I am really sorry that you are going through this. What you are describing sounds deeply distressing, and it is completely understandable that intense emotional trauma, such as betrayal, can manifest as real physical symptoms.

Please know this clearly: your symptoms are real, not imagined, and you deserve proper medical care, emotional support, and reassurance.

When heart-related tests are normal, but chest pain and breathlessness occur mainly during emotional stress, this strongly suggests panic attacks or anxiety-related chest pain. These symptoms are very common after psychological trauma and can feel frightening, even though they are not life-threatening.

Your headaches appear consistent with tension-type headaches or stress-related headaches, especially since they do not improve with routine pain medications. Emotional stress leads to persistent muscle tension and altered pain perception, which can result in chronic head pain. Treating the underlying anxiety often leads to significant improvement in these headaches.

Most importantly, your emotional trauma truly matters. The fact that your symptoms began after discovering your husband’s affair is a very strong clue. It suggests that your nervous system is stuck in a constant “fight-or-flight” state (overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for danger). When this system stays active for a long time, it can cause:

Hand tremors.
Breathlessness.
Chest tightness.
Panic episodes.
Dizziness.
Headaches

These symptoms can occur even in young, otherwise healthy individuals. I want you to know that you are not alone in this. I am here to help you, and you can share anything with me. We can address this step by step, at a pace that feels safe for you.

I would like to ask one important question: Have you ever experienced similar symptoms at any point earlier in your life, before this emotional stress?

You are still young, and what you need right now is a proper medical evaluation along with emotional and psychological support. With the right approach, these symptoms are very manageable and often reversible.

Please feel free to reach out at any time. I am always here to support you and guide you through this.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.