Published on: 4/28/2025
Chest tightness that occurs randomly can be caused by anxiety, panic attacks, muscle strain, breathing problems, or GI issues. Random symptoms are less likely to be related to the heart.
Random tightness in the chest may be due to several reasons including:
It is worth noting that cardiac issues can also cause chest tightness, although this is less common for random episodes. If you experience sudden, severe chest pain along with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw, seek immediate medical attention as these could be signs of a heart problem. If you experience recurring chest tightness or have concerns about your health, consult a doctor to identify the cause and explore treatment options.
(References)
Huffman JC, Pollack MH, Stern TA. Panic Disorder and Chest Pain: Mechanisms, Morbidity, and Management. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2002 Apr;4(2):54-62. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v04n0203. PMID: 15014745; PMCID: PMC181226.
Johnson K, Ghassemzadeh S. Chest Pain. [Updated 2022 Dec 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
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