Basics

• Chest tightness is a sensation of pressure or discomfort in the chest, often described as feeling like a band is squeezing the chest.

Common causes

• Anxiety or stress, leading to muscle tension.

• Respiratory issues like asthma or respiratory infection.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Heart-related conditions.

• Chest muscle strain or inflammation.

When it's okay to monitor symptoms

• If chest tightness is occasional and related to stress or anxiety.

• When it resolves with relaxation techniques or a change in posture.

When to talk to a doctor

• Persistent or recurrent chest tightness.

• Chest tightness accompanied by shortness of breath or pain.

• If you have a history of heart disease or risk factors.

When to seek emergency care

• Sudden and severe chest tightness, especially if accompanied by difficulty breathing or pain radiating to the arm or jaw.

• Chest tightness that gets significantly worse with exercise like walking up stairs.

• Chest tightness if you have a history of heart problems, especially if associated with other serious symptoms like nausea or sweating.

Home remedies and over-the-counter medications

• Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to reduce stress.

• Maintain good posture to alleviate muscle tension.

• Over-the-counter antacids if chest tightness is related to indigestion.