Stress is a fact of modern life, and the anxiety that is the result of our hectic, fast-paced lifestyle — especially around the holidays — can cause symptoms that mimic a heart attack. "It's particularly common in women," says Dr. Chauncey Crandall, chief of the cardiac transplant program at the world-renowned Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

"The pain is very similar to the pain people have when they have a heart attack, but they really don't have underlying heart disease. It can be in the center of the chest, and is associated with sweating, a pounding heartbeat, and a feeling of despair.

"In addition, some people have pulmonary issues, such as shortness of breath, and have an overwhelming feeling of doom," Dr. Crandall tells Newsmax Health. "These symptoms are so convincing that many patients end up in the emergency room."

The problem is, says Dr. Chauncey, that heart disease in women was overlooked for many years, and women were often told their chest pain was "all in their heads." "Now, we know better," he says. If you are a woman with chest pain and are over the age of 50, you are at risk for a heart attack.

"Make sure your doctor takes your complaint seriously, especially if you have major risk factors for coronary heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke."

"If you're short of breath, sweating, and if your color doesn't look good, call 911 and get them to the scene to be evaluated."

If you do not have major risk factors for a heart attack, you may be experiencing one of the other common causes of chest pain such as acid reflux, inflammation of the chest membrane, and even arthritis. The best thing to do then is call your doctor and make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible.

There are many other causes of chest pain, such as the esophagus going into a spasm and stomach issues, but some, such as irritability of the chest wall, can lead to a heart attack if not taken seriously, says Dr. Crandall.

"If your doctor performs a cardiac evaluation and rules out coronary heart disease, consider seeing some type of counselor or therapist who can teach you how to deal with stress," he says. "Prayer also is often a powerful stress reducer.

"All chest pain must be taken seriously, and all patients who have chest pain need to be seen immediately," he says.

Dr. Chauncey Crandall: Chest Pain and Panic Attack

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