Why do some emotions (sadness, heartbroken etc.) really cause chest pain?
In: Biology
A brain region called the “anterior cingulate cortex” regulates emotional reactions. When you experience heightened stress, this part of the brain can increase the activity of the “vagus nerve”. This is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous sytem. It connects from the brain stem to the neck, chest, and abdomen. Overstimulation of this nerve causes pain and nausea.
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