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I have just started having horrible anxiety with chest pressure. Feels like an elephant on my chest.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Findlay, OH

Blood pressure and oxygen are fine

May 4
 · 
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I had that pressure on my chest last night. I tried to do some breathing exercises and listen to guided meditations. It finally went away. Very uncomfortable.

May 4
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Get to help you need with your neurologist and ask him to recommend an anti-anxiety medication that you could take you have to understand that these NT anxiety medications should not be used on a long-term basis especially in ages from 65 on I’m not a doctor, but I’m speaking from my experience

May 4
MyParkinsonsTeam

That sounds really uncomfortable and scary — chest pressure combined with anxiety is no small thing, even when your vitals look okay. Anxiety is actually a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease, and it can sometimes show up physically, including as chest tightness or pressure.

That said, it's really important to Show Full Answer

That sounds really uncomfortable and scary — chest pressure combined with anxiety is no small thing, even when your vitals look okay. Anxiety is actually a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease, and it can sometimes show up physically, including as chest tightness or pressure.

That said, it's really important to get this checked out by your doctor soon, especially since it's new for you. Even if blood pressure and oxygen are fine, a healthcare professional should rule out any other causes. Some common anxiety symptoms that people with Parkinson's experience include:

- Nervousness or agitation
- A sense of upcoming doom
- Heart palpitations or rapid breathing
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble focusing

Once your doctor has evaluated you, there are options that may help, including:

- Medication adjustments (sometimes Parkinson's medications can influence anxiety)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has shown real promise for people with Parkinson's
- Mindfulness practices to help calm the nervous system
- Lifestyle changes like gentle exercise and stress reduction

Please don't wait on this one — reach out to your care team as soon as possible.

May 4

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