The Reason for Unexplained Chest Heaviness and Anxiety

So, how does modern science explain the wisdom of the Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine)? We can understand this complex connection through the 'Brain-Heart Axis' and the 'Autonomic Nervous System.' The Autonomic Nervous System is a system that regulates life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat, respiration, and digestion, regardless of our will. It is largely divided into the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for excitement and tension, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and stability. When we experience stress, the brain perceives it as a danger signal and immediately activates the sympathetic nervous system. The body then prepares to 'fight or flee.' The heart beats faster (palpitation), blood pressure rises, muscles tense, and respiration becomes shallow and rapid. At this time, stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline, and cortisol are released, putting the entire body into a state of arousal. While short-term stress is acceptable, chronic stress excessively overactivates this sympathetic nervous system. Our amygdala becomes oversensitive, easily feeling threatened even by small stimuli, and it also affects memory centers like the hippocampus, causing us to repeatedly experience anxiety and fear. If this state continues, the heart will continue to overexert itself, and the heart not being able to rest properly can actually manifest as physical symptoms like arrhythmia or chest pain. This is not simply a 'mental illness,' but a very real physical reaction where the brain and heart negatively influence each other due to neurotransmitter and hormonal imbalances. In particular, if the function of the vagus nerve that activates the parasympathetic nervous system weakens, heart rate variability (HRV) lowers, leading to increased vulnerability to stress and anxiety. Just as the Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) called the Heart the 'Monarch' and emphasized its connection with the spirit, modern medicine is scientifically proving how closely the body and mind are connected through the Autonomic Nervous System and Brain-Heart Axis. Therefore, unexplained anxiety and palpitations are not issues to be dismissed lightly. They are important warning signals from our body.