The view in Korean medicine that the heart governs mental activity corresponds closely to the role of the autonomic nervous system in modern medicine. Stress-induced palpitations and chest tightness often stem from an autonomic nervous system imbalance. This system consists of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve, which balance each other like a seesaw to regulate involuntary functions such as heartbeat, digestion, respiration, and blood pressure.
When stress strikes, the body treats it as a crisis and overactivates the sympathetic nerve. The brain releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, triggering a fight-or-flight response that accelerates the heartbeat, elevates blood pressure, and tightens muscles. While this is a healthy short-term defense mechanism against external threats, chronic stress turns this reaction into an ongoing strain.
When the sympathetic nerve remains constantly heightened, the heart is forced to overwork, leading to palpitations or sensations akin to an arrhythmia. This may be accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the hands and feet. In some instances, it develops into an anxiety disorder or a panic attack, setting off a vicious cycle where physical discomfort feeds psychological distress.
When thorough medical tests reveal no structural abnormality in the heart yet symptoms persist, a functional disturbance of the autonomic nervous system is often the cause. A similar dynamic occurs when poor digestion causes tightness in the epigastrium, or when chronic muscle tension constricts the chest. In short, stress stimulates the sympathetic nerve, and that heightened state ripples across the cardiovascular system and other organs as tangible physical symptoms.
For this reason, rather than relying solely on medication to quiet the sensations, it is helpful to recognize the warning signs from your autonomic nervous system and restore balance through thoughtful stress care. Left unaddressed, it can contribute to broader health concerns like chronic fatigue, indigestion, and decreased immunity, making gentle attention all the more necessary.
