Atypical Chest Pain in Women

Most of the time, experiencing chest pains can trigger panic attacks in individuals. This is because any form of chest pain is normally associated with heart attacks and other serious cardiovascular disorders. However, it is not always, that chest pain is related to heart attacks. What people are not aware of is that chest pain can even arise due to stress, anxiety and several other non cardiac reasons. This is referred to as atypical chest pain or atypical angina, and can be noticed in both men and women. Though affecting both genders, atypical chest pain is usually predominant in young women and also in elderly people. Atypical chest pain in women may be due to several reasons that are not related to the heart. This chest pain may originate on either side of the chest and may feel like a squeezing pain. The duration may also range from a few hours and at times for a couple of days. In case it lasts for a longer period, or does not resolve even after medical intervention, it is essential to consult a cardiologist.

Causes of Irregular Chest Pain

There can be several reasons why some women may experience atypical chest pains. This may arise without any sign or can even precede a disorder. Given here are some of the causes and symptoms of atypical angina in women.

• Atypical chest pain may be caused when the intercostobrachial nerve becomes sensitive or becomes irritated. These nerves are located in the arm and any trauma or injury to the nerve can result in chest pain. Overexertion may also be a result of atypical angina, observed in both men and women.
• Experiencing chest pain after eating may be due to indigestion of food. Heavy meals can take longer to digest completely. This can be one of the causes of experiencing abdominal distress and bloating sensation. It may also be due to acid reflux disease, also referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Upper abdominal pain may radiate towards the chest. Burping or belching may provide relief from this digestion related chest pain.
• Noticing a squeezing pain in the chest, accompanied by shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing may be due to problems in the respiratory tract. Disorders like pneumonia, bronchitis etc. may show chest pain, nausea and weakness due to inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart.
• Anxiety attacks are also one of the factors why women as well as elderly people suffer from atypical ches pain. The symptoms of these panic attacks may be noted as profuse sweating, feeling lightheaded and experiencing episodes of dizziness. Atypical chest pain is also commonly noticed during stress and even during sleep.
• A muscle pull or strain in the arms, shoulder or thoracic region is also one of the causes of chest pain in women as well as men. Problems in the musculoskeletal system may be attributed to burning sensation in the chest, which may radiate to the back and jaw. Tenderness and discomfort in the affected region may also be observed. This is also experienced by elderly people who are suffering from arthritis.

Treating Atypical Chest Pain

The diagnosis of atypical pain in the chest is based on the symptoms exhibited by this condition. Even though atypical chest pain is not a matter of grave concern, getting in touch with a doctor to relieve this discomforting situation is always advisable. After observing these signs the medical practitioner may proceed towards treatment in order to provide relief from this distressing condition. Pain killers may be administered to curb the pain and discomfort. The doctor may also prescribe antacids to relieve indigestion related problem. Treatment may be administered according to the symptoms and causes of atypical angina.

Noticing any of the indications of atypical chest pain should be brought to the notice of a health care provider, who may diagnose the exact reason and administer prompt treatment. A delay in recognizing and treating atypical chest pain can give rise to heart problems.