What can cause tightness in the chest and throat?

Stress or anxiety: It can mimic heart disease. Try and learn self relaxation techniques, like meditation or self hypnosis. Exercise regularly and avoid stimulants. Get your sleep and eat small frequent meals. Some people get anxiety reactions from certain foods and additives like msg. Your doctor might prescribe an "emergency pill" for anxiety like Propranolol or xanax (alprazolam).