What are the common causes of chest pain in women. How can you differentiate between heart-related and non-cardiac chest pain. What are the typical symptoms of a heart attack in females. When should you seek immediate medical attention for chest discomfort.

The Prevalence and Importance of Chest Pain in Women

Chest pain is a symptom that should never be taken lightly, especially in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is responsible for 1 in 5 female deaths. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding and recognizing the various causes of chest pain in women, as well as knowing when to seek medical attention.

While chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, it’s crucial to note that it can also be caused by a variety of other conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to musculoskeletal problems. Understanding these different causes can help women make informed decisions about their health and when to seek medical care.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women: What Sets Them Apart?

Heart attack symptoms in women can differ significantly from those typically experienced by men. This difference often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can have serious consequences. So, what are the unique characteristics of heart attack symptoms in women?

• Less likely to experience overwhelming chest pressure
• More prone to dizziness, fatigue, and nausea
• May experience pain in both arms, not just the left
• Can have discomfort in the neck, jaw, or back
• Might feel shortness of breath or cold sweats

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be subtle and may not always be recognized as signs of a heart attack. This is why it’s crucial for women to be aware of these potential indicators and seek medical attention if they experience any combination of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few minutes or come and go.

Non-Cardiac Causes of Chest Pain in Women

While heart-related issues are a significant concern, there are numerous other conditions that can cause chest pain in women. Understanding these non-cardiac causes can help in differentiating between life-threatening and less serious conditions.

Gastrointestinal Causes

Digestive system issues can often mimic the symptoms of heart problems. Some common gastrointestinal causes of chest pain include:

• Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas
• Gallstones

These conditions can cause a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest that may be mistaken for heart-related pain. However, they often have additional symptoms such as bloating, nausea, or pain that worsens after eating.

Lung-Related Conditions

The lungs and respiratory system can also be sources of chest pain. Some lung-related conditions that may cause chest discomfort include:

• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
• Collapsed lung
• Bronchospasm

These conditions often come with additional symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. In the case of a pulmonary embolism, the chest pain may be sharp and worsen with deep breaths.

Musculoskeletal Issues

Sometimes, chest pain can originate from the bones, muscles, or nerves in the chest area. Common musculoskeletal causes of chest pain include:

• Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone)
• Fibromyalgia
• Rib fractures or bruises
• Muscle strain from overexertion

Pain from these conditions is often sharp and localized. It may worsen with movement or when pressure is applied to the affected area.

Diagnosing the Cause of Chest Pain in Women

Given the wide range of potential causes, diagnosing the source of chest pain in women often requires a comprehensive approach. How do healthcare providers determine the cause of chest pain?

1. Medical History: Doctors will typically start by asking detailed questions about the pain, including its location, duration, and any associated symptoms. They’ll also inquire about personal and family medical history.
2. Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam can provide valuable clues about the cause of the pain.
3. Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, various tests may be ordered, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check heart rhythm
• Blood tests to check for markers of heart damage or inflammation
• Chest X-ray to examine the heart, lungs, and blood vessels
• Echocardiogram to visualize heart structure and function
• Stress tests to evaluate heart function during physical exertion
• Coronary angiography to check for blockages in heart arteries

The combination of these diagnostic tools helps healthcare providers accurately determine the cause of chest pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Chest Pain in Women

The treatment for chest pain in women varies greatly depending on the underlying cause. What are some common treatment approaches for different types of chest pain?

Heart-Related Chest Pain

If the chest pain is determined to be cardiac in nature, treatment may include:

• Medications such as aspirin, nitroglycerin, or blood thinners
• Procedures like angioplasty or stent placement to open blocked arteries
• Lifestyle modifications including diet changes, exercise, and stress management
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs

Non-Cardiac Chest Pain

For chest pain not related to heart issues, treatment will target the specific cause:

• Gastrointestinal causes: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or other medications to manage reflux or ulcers
• Lung-related conditions: Antibiotics for infections, inhalers for asthma or bronchitis, anticoagulants for pulmonary embolism
• Musculoskeletal issues: Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or rest for injuries

Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial to follow the treatment plan prescribed by healthcare providers and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper management of the condition.

Prevention Strategies for Chest Pain in Women

While not all causes of chest pain are preventable, there are several strategies women can employ to reduce their risk of developing conditions that cause chest discomfort. What are some effective prevention methods?

• Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart problems and other health issues. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular relaxation practices can help manage stress levels.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of heart disease and other conditions that cause chest pain.
• Regular health check-ups: Routine medical examinations can help detect potential issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
• Know your family history: Understanding your genetic predisposition to certain conditions can help you and your healthcare provider take appropriate preventive measures.

By implementing these strategies, women can take proactive steps towards maintaining their overall health and reducing their risk of experiencing chest pain.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Chest Pain

Given the potential seriousness of some causes of chest pain, it’s crucial to know when to seek immediate medical attention. Under what circumstances should a woman go to the emergency room for chest pain?

• Sudden, severe chest pain, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness
• Chest pain that spreads to the jaw, left arm, or back
• Chest pain accompanied by a sense of tightness or pressure in the chest
• Any chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes
• Chest pain accompanied by loss of consciousness or severe weakness

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain. Even if it turns out not to be serious, seeking prompt medical attention can provide peace of mind and potentially save your life if it is a serious condition.

The Importance of Women’s Heart Health Awareness

Understanding and recognizing the unique aspects of heart health in women is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing the impact of heart disease. Why is women’s heart health awareness so important?

• Historical underrepresentation: Women have been historically underrepresented in cardiovascular research, leading to a gap in understanding of how heart disease manifests in women.
• Unique risk factors: Women have unique risk factors for heart disease, such as pregnancy-related complications and hormonal changes, which need to be considered in prevention and treatment strategies.
• Delayed diagnosis: Due to atypical symptoms, women often experience delays in diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, which can lead to poorer outcomes.
• Misconceptions: There’s a common misconception that heart disease primarily affects men, which can lead women to underestimate their own risk.

Increasing awareness about women’s heart health can lead to earlier detection, more effective prevention strategies, and improved outcomes for women experiencing heart-related issues. It’s crucial for women to be proactive about their heart health, understand their risk factors, and advocate for their cardiovascular well-being.

In conclusion, chest pain in women can have various causes, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Understanding the different potential causes, recognizing the unique symptoms of heart attacks in women, and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial steps in managing and preventing serious health issues. By staying informed and proactive about their health, women can take significant steps towards ensuring their overall well-being and longevity.

Chest pain in women: Causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Chest pain or discomfort can indicate a heart attack in both males and females, but it can also result from heartburn, lung problems, and other issues. Anyone with chest pain that recurs or lasts several minutes or more should seek emergency medical help.

In some cases, pain or discomfort may be due to other causes, such as heartburn, reflux, a lung-related issue, or another problem affecting the heart. Although some possible causes of chest pain are less serious, a woman should seek help immediately as this symptom may indicate a medical emergency.

In this article, we provide more information on the typical female signs and symptoms of a heart attack and discuss other possible causes of chest pain.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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Share on PinterestA person should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 male deaths and 1 in 5 female deaths are due to heart disease. Heart disease refers to several conditions that affect this organ, including heart attack.

Men and women tend to show different signs of a heart attack.

Women are less likely than males to feel an overwhelming amount of pressure in their chest. Instead, they are more likely to experience dizziness, fatigue, or nausea. They may also have pain in both arms, rather than just the left arm.

Any woman who experiences any of these symptoms should call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the typical symptoms of heart attacks in women include:

• chest pain or discomfort
• shortness of breath
• cold sweat, lightheadedness, or nausea
• discomfort, numbness, or pain in one or both arms, the neck, stomach, jaw, or back
• a squeezing sensation, pain, uncomfortable pressure, or fullness in the center of the chest

The sensations affecting the chest tend to last for more than a few minutes or stop before starting again.

There are several other possible causes of chest pain in women.

Although many causes are not as severe as a heart attack, they may still require medical attention.

Heart-related conditions

Some heart-related conditions that may cause chest pain include:

• myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle
• angina, which is pain resulting from the heart not getting enough blood
• cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle
• pericarditis, which is inflammation of the sac around the heart
• aortic dissection, which is a rare condition in which there is a tear in the aorta

Gastrointestinal complications

In some cases, chest pain may be due to gastrointestinal complications and conditions. These may include:

• heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• inflamed gallbladder or pancreas
• gallstones

Lung-related conditions

Other possible causes of chest pain have an association with the lungs and can include:

• bronchitis
• collapsed lung
• pneumonia
• pulmonary embolism, which is a type of blood clot
• bronchospasm

Bone or muscle problems

In other cases, a woman may experience chest pain due to issues with the bones or muscles.

A broken or bruised rib can cause pain and swelling, while chronic pain syndrome and the overexertion of muscles can both cause pain in the chest.

A compression fracture may put pressure on a nerve, causing pain.

Anyone with unexplained chest pain should see a doctor, who can run tests to determine the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatments.

Typically, a doctor will ask several questions about the person’s individual and family medical history. They will also ask about other symptoms and the medications that a person is taking.

Knowing this information can help the doctor rule out some possible causes.

In addition, the doctor may run one or more tests to determine the cause of the pain. These tests might include:

• A chest X-ray: An X-ray allows the doctor to look at the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
• Blood tests: These tests measure enzyme levels in the blood.
• An MRI: This scan can reveal any damage to the heart or aorta.
• An angiogram: Doctors use this exam to check for blockages in specific arteries.
• An electrocardiogram (EKG): This test records the heart’s electrical activity.
• Stress tests: Doctors use these to measure heart function after exertion.
• An echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to record moving images of the heart.

A doctor may prescribe one of several treatment options, depending on their diagnosis and the results of the tests. The underlying cause of the pain will often determine the urgency and extent of the treatment.

If the chest pain is due to issues with the heart, the doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

• cardiac catheterization, which is a procedure to open blocked arteries
• medications that open closed arteries, break down clots, or thin the blood
• surgery to repair arteries

In cases where the cause of the chest pain does not relate to the heart, a doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• antacids or acid reducers to help prevent reflux and heartburn
• reinflation of a collapsed lung
• anxiety medication

Women should take sudden or unexplained chest pain seriously, particularly if they experience any other symptoms of a heart attack.

It is beneficial to talk to a doctor about any chest pain because treatment can usually help alleviate the pain and heal the underlying condition.

Angina | Heart and Stroke Foundation

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What is angina?

Angina is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort caused by a temporary disruption in the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. People describe angina discomfort as a squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling – usually in the centre of the chest, behind the breastbone.

Key facts about angina:

• It’s your heart telling you that it needs more oxygen.
• You need to stop what you’re doing, rest and/or take your medication.
• It’s almost always a sign that you have blocked arteries and heart disease.
• It’s usually a short-lived event – lasting for a few minutes.
• It’s a warning that without treatment, you are at risk for heart attack, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and cardiac arrest (cardiopulmonary arrest).

All chest pain should be checked out by a healthcare provider.

Is it angina or a heart attack?

If you are experiencing chest pain for the first time, seek medical attention immediately. If you have already been diagnosed with angina and you are experiencing unusual symptoms, or if your medication isn’t working, see a healthcare provider immediately. You could be experiencing the emergency signs of a heart attack.

When does angina happen?

• Often during physical activity or stress.
• When you are in a very cold place.
• After a large meal.

Heart attacks can happen at any time.

What does angina feel like?

Angina and heart attack can feel the same. Both may cause:

• Pain or discomfort that can spread to the chest, jaw, shoulders, arms (mostly the left arm) and back.
• Chest tightness, burning, heaviness, feeling of squeezing or not being able to breathe.

Angina will sometimes cause dizziness, paleness, weakness.

Heart attack symptoms often include nausea or throwing up, weakness, tiredness or sweating.

How long does angina last?

• Three to five minutes – up to 30 minutes
• Relieved by rest or medication

Heart attacks generally last more than 30 minutes.

What brings on angina?

• Angina happens when exercise, emotional upset or other events make demands on the heart muscle.
• The heart needs extra oxygen to respond to the demands.
• If the heart muscle can’t get enough oxygen because of a blockage in blood flow, the strain causes the pain of angina.
• The pain is relieved by stopping the event that caused the strain, or by taking nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin widens the coronary arteries to allow more oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart.

A heart attack is caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart causing damage to the heart muscle.

What do you do if angina lasts longer than a few minutes?

• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency response number immediately.

Types of angina

The two most common types of angina are stable and unstable. Stable angina (angina pectoris) can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Unstable angina may not respond to rest or nitroglycerin. It needs urgent attention.

Stable angina

• Usually lasts 5 minutes; rarely more than 15 minutes.
• Triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, heavy meals, extreme cold or hot weather.
• Relieved within 5 minutes by rest, nitroglycerin or both.
• Pain in the chest that may spread to the jaw, neck, arms, back or other areas.
• May feel like the burning sensation of heartburn or indigestion.

What you can do if you experience an episode of stable angina:

• Track what triggers it.
• Record how long it lasts.
• Note what helped ease the pain.

Unstable angina

• Often happens while you are resting.
• It occurs suddenly. You feel chest pain you did not have before.
• Discomfort lasts longer than stable angina (more than 20 minutes).
• Not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
• Episodes may get worse over time.

What you can do if you experience an episode of unstable angina:

• Unstable angina should be treated as a medical emergency.
• Your doctor will do tests to find out if you are experiencing unstable angina.
• You may need medical treatment to prevent a heart attack.

Variant angina (also called Prinzmetal angina)

• Caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries. Spasms can be the result of exposure to cold weather, stress, smoking, cocaine use or medications that may tighten or narrow the arteries.
• Most people with variant angina have a severe blockage in at least one major coronary artery and the spasm usually happens close to the blockage.
• Usually happens while resting, and during the night or early morning.
• Can be treated by medication.

Microvascular angina (sometimes called cardiac syndrome X or CSX)

• May be a symptom of a heart disease called coronary microvascular disease (MVD). MVD affects the smallest blood vessels of the heart.
• Microvascular angina is caused when the tiny blood vessels that feed your heart don’t function properly.
• Pain is more severe and can last longer than stable angina, sometimes 30 minutes or more.
• Pain is unpredictable. It can happen during exercise or while resting.
• Nitroglycerin may not relieve the pain.
• Treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes.
• It’s more common in women than men. About 70% of patients are women who are approaching – or have already gone through – menopause.   

Cardiac syndrome X is not the same as syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome). Syndrome X is a group of risk factors that can lead to diabetes or heart disease.

Causes

Angina occurs when there’s not enough blood flow to the heart as a result of heart disease. Without enough blood, the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen. This triggers the chest pain.

Angina pain can be triggered by:

• physical activity
• exercise
• emotional stress
• extreme temperatures (either hot or cold)
• heavy meals
• drinking alcohol
• smoking

Angina can stem from these medical conditions:

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Blocked arteries from coronary artery disease are the most common cause of angina.

• When your arteries are too narrow, your heart doesn’t get enough blood.
• When there’s less blood, there’s less oxygen.
• Without enough blood and oxygen, your heart works too hard which triggers angina.

Coronary artery spasm

Coronary artery spasm is a contraction in the blood vessels that supply the heart.

• If the blood vessel is constricted, blood flow to the heart can decrease or even stop.
• This lack of blood flow can cause angina or heart attack.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Narrowing of the valves in the heart (aortic stenosis)

Enlarged heart (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)

Symptoms

Angina symptoms can vary from person to person, between men and women (see below), and by the type of angina you have. The main symptoms of angina are:

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Pain

• Tightness, pressure or discomfort in the centre of the chest
• Ache or discomfort in areas other than the chest: jaw, shoulder, arms or back
• A burning sensation that feels like indigestion or heartburn
• Burning or cramping pain
• More common in women – vague pain, pain in the neck or throat

Fatigue

Be aware Women may describe their angina symptoms differently than men. They are more likely to experience:

• vague pain in the centre of the chest
• pain in the neck or tightness in the throat
• the feeling of a panic attack, anxiety
• dizziness, fainting
• sweating at night
• fatigue

When to call your doctor If you have chest pain that is new, worsening or constant, seek medical care immediately. You are at greater risk of:

• heart attack
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• cardiac arrest

Treatment

Angina is often controlled with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Medication

Medication may help prevent or relieve the symptoms of angina. If medication is prescribed for you, take it exactly as directed.

• nitroglycerin (or nitro)
  • Nitro is widely prescribed for angina.
  • It widens or opens up the coronary arteries.
  • This gets more blood and more oxygen to your heart.
  • If you take nitro, always carry it with you.
• anti-platelets
• beta-blocker
• calcium channel blockers

Surgery and other procedures

Angina caused by blocked arteries can be treated surgically. By widening or bypassing the affected arteries, more blood can flow to your heart. Procedures might include:

• percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) also known as angioplasty with stent
• coronary artery bypass surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help you recover after a heart attack or from other heart conditions. Rehab has two parts:

1. Exercise training to learn how to exercise safely, strengthen muscles and improve stamina.
2. Education and counselling to learn how to reduce the risk for heart problems in the future.

Lifestyle

You can lower your risk of developing other heart diseases and stroke by knowing and controlling your blood pressure, diabetes and blood cholesterol. It’s also important to lead a healthy lifestyle.

• Be smoke-free.
• Be more active. Yes, exercise can trigger angina. But moderate physical activity, approved by a healthcare provider, will help your heart health.
• Aim for a healthy weight.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet – there are some specific diets you can follow that have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Drink less alcohol.
• Manage stress.

Talk to your doctor about the lifestyle changes that will benefit you the most.

Control other medical conditions

Take your medications as prescribed for other conditions that can make angina worse:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• high blood cholesterol
• atrial fibrillation (Afib)

Living with angina

It’s normal to feel worried or afraid after a diagnosis of heart disease. Find someone you can turn to for emotional support like a family member, friend, doctor, mental health worker or support group. Talking about your challenges and feelings could be an important part of your journey to recovery.

• Find peer support resources here.
• Download or order our free book Living Well with Heart Disease.
• Join Heart & Stroke’s Community of Survivors or Care Supporters’ Community support groups.
• Sign up for the Heart & Stroke recovery newsletter. Get the latest research news and information, with tips and strategies to help you manage your recovery

Join the Heart and Stroke Community of Survivors

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8 Common Causes of Chest Pain

Women of all ages may experience occasional chest pain. It can occur both before and after menopause. While almost 70% of women complain of chest pain at some point in their lives, only about 15% of them need medical attention. The severity and location of pain can vary. It can occur in both mammary glands, in one of them, or in the armpit. Its intensity can vary from mild to severe and is usually described as a sharp burning or drawing pain. Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause can also influence the type of chest pain a woman experiences.

Breast cyst. The cysts that can form in the breast tissue are usually fluid-filled sacs that can be soft or hard and don’t even hurt. These cysts usually enlarge during the menstrual cycle and after menopause.

Medicines. Some medicines may contribute to the development of chest pain. These drugs include: oral hormonal contraceptives, fertility drugs, estrogen and progesterone drugs during menopause, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, digitalis drugs, methyldopa, spironolactone, some diuretics, anadrol, chlorpromazine. A woman should see a doctor if she experiences chest pain while taking these medicines.

Surgical intervention. Women who have had breast surgery and develop scar tissue at the suture site may experience pain in the breast area from time to time.

Costochondritis. This is an inflammation of the cartilage (located at the costosternal joint) that connects the ribs to the sternum. Pain in this disorder can be similar to a symptom of a heart attack and some other conditions. This pathology is noted in the elderly and patients with poor posture.

Fibrocystic changes in the chest. Premenopausal women and those undergoing hormone therapy during menopause may experience breast swelling caused by fluid accumulation.

Mastitis. This pathology is often encountered by nursing mothers due to blockage of the milk ducts. However, mastopathy can be noted not only in them. Symptoms of pathology often include fever, pain and fatigue, along with changes in the mammary gland, its redness, localized fever, swelling and pain.

Bad bra. Breast pain can be caused by the wrong bra. Sometimes it is worn, tightening it too tight or, conversely, loosely. As a result, improper support of the mammary gland occurs, which can lead to pain.

Breast cancer. Most cases of breast cancer are not associated with pain, however, the formation of certain types of tumors in the mammary gland can cause discomfort and even pain.

Thus, women should consult their doctor if they experience breast pain and swelling not associated with the menstrual period, note the appearance of bumps or other formations in the breast area, discharge from the nipple, symptoms of an infectious disease, cyclic and acyclic pain in this areas.

Cyclic chest pain is described as pain that coincides with hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. It usually becomes more pronounced within 2 weeks before the onset of menstruation. This type of pain is responsible for about 75% of women’s complaints of chest pain. It is commonly experienced by women in their 20s and 40s. Most often this occurs in the upper outer region of both mammary glands and sometimes in the armpit. Women who experience cyclic breast pain also often report fibrocystic breast changes.

Unlike cyclic, acyclic chest pain is completely unrelated to the menstrual cycle. It occurs, as a rule, in postmenopausal women at the age of 40–50 years and is described as burning and drawing pain. May occur in one mammary gland and be caused by trauma.

How to manage chest pain?

If you experience pain in the area of ​​the breast, be sure to consult a doctor.

However, some of the discomfort can be alleviated with the following tips:

• wearing a support bra during the day, a sports bra during exercise;
• caffeine and sodium restriction;
• use of hot or cold compresses on the chest;
• eating a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains;
• maintaining a healthy body weight;
• vitamin B intake ₆ , B ₁ , E;
• use of relaxation techniques to reduce stress, anxiety and tension;
• keeping a log of the occurrence of pain in order to determine its cyclicity or acyclicity.

Based on www.medicalnewstoday.com

Mammary glands. Treatment of the mammary gland. Chest pain

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• Mammary glands. Treatment of the mammary gland. Chest pain

Many women complain that their chest hurts. In women of childbearing age with a normal menstrual cycle, chest pain is quite common. Elderly women rarely have chest pain.

Why does my chest hurt?

• Many people have chest pain before menstruation. This is due to the ongoing hormonal changes in a woman’s body during menstruation, as well as the retention of fluid in the body, which occurs during menstruation.
• Injuries of the mammary gland. Chest pain can occur as a result of a strong blow, too much compression or squeezing of the chest.
• Breast hurts during pregnancy. Breast swelling or tenderness is a sign of pregnancy that appears 1 to 2 weeks after conception. A woman may notice how her breasts have changed; they react to every, even a slight touch, during pregnancy, the chest hurts and swells.
• Breastfeeding may cause chest pain. Breast pain during feeding due to the “rush” of milk (a side effect of the oxytocin reflex). If chest pain is accompanied by redness of the area and possibly fever, the development of lactostasis can be assumed.
• Before menstruation, the chest hurts, this is called premenstrual mastalgia (breast engorgement) and is one of the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.
• Chest pain can also occur due to an insufficiently active sex life.
• Breast infection. Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the breast caused by an infection. Breast mastitis is more common in breastfeeding mothers. But there is also non-lactational mastitis (fibrocystic), it is not associated with breastfeeding.
• Mastopathy – a benign change in breast tissue, in which seals occur in the mammary gland. As a rule, seals are well palpable and do not cause serious concern, the chest hurts only a few days before menstruation, and ends with its onset.
• Breast cancer. Pseudo-inflammatory forms of breast cancer are characterized by the presence of a painless or mildly painful infiltrate without clear boundaries, occupying most of the gland. The skin is edematous, looks like a lemon crust, there may be reddening of the skin and temperature.

Chest pain can be different: pain under the breast, pain in the left breast, pain in the right breast, pain between the breasts, etc. Pain can occur in one breast or both, chest pain can be either regular ( appear and disappear every month), and permanent (lasting several weeks or even months).