Women’s Health: Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a warning sign for many things. It is most often linked to a heart attack, especially in men. Women should be just as concerned though, since heart disease causes more deaths for them than any other ailment. Chest pain can also be a symptom of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a heart valve problem that occurs twice as often in women than in men. It can also result from lung problems including pneumonia, bronchitis and lung injuries. A hiatal hernia, heartburn, shingles, pulled muscle and even swallowing too much air (aerophagia) can cause chest pain.

It is not always easy to know whether or not to seek medical treatment for chest pain. Generally speaking, when in doubt, check it out. Prompt medical treatment for a heart attack or severe lung injury could be life saving.

Question to ask
Did the chest pain result from a serious injury? Is it persistent and/or getting worse?

Does the chest pain occur in a woman with a history of heart problems or history of angina and not respond to prescribed medicine?

Does the chest pain occur in a woman who has had a recent operation or illness that has kept her in bed?

Do you have any of these problems with the chest pain? Pain that spreads (radiates) to the arm, neck or jaw. Feeling of pressure, especially on the left side. Heart palpitations (heart rhythm problems). Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. Nausea and/or vomiting. Sweating. Irregular pulse. Sense of doom.

Do you have any of these problems with the chest pain? Light-headedness. Fatigue. Dizziness, fainting. Anxiety. A heart murmur heard by a health care provider.

Does the chest pain come with a sudden difficulty with breathing? Does it worsen when taking deep breaths?

Are one of more of the following present? Fever. Cough with sputum of any color (pink, green, gray-yellow, etc.).

Does the chest pain last longer than two days?

Does chest pain stop with antacids?

Does belching and/or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen come with the chest pain? Does the chest pain come and go before, during or after eating and does it worsen when bending or lying down?

Was there sudden chest pain after taking oral contraceptives?

Is the chest pain: Only on one side of the chest? Unaffected by breathing? Accompanied by a burning feeling and a skin rash at the pain site?

Self-Care Procedures

Self-care procedures for chest pain that results from a pulled muscle or minor injury to the rib cage:

Do not strain the muscle or ribs while pain is felt.
Rest.
Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Avoid aspirin if you have or suspect you have a stomach ulcer.

[Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless directed by a physician, due to its association with Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.]
Do call your doctor, though, if the pain lasts longer than two days.

Self-care procedures for chest pain associated with hiatal hernia and heartburn:

Lose weight if you are overweight.
Eat small, frequent meals (5 – 6 per day) instead of 3 meals a day. Do not eat large meals.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, peppermint, chocolate and citrus juices.
If you have heartburn, take antacids after meals and before going to bed
Do not eat food or drink milk two hours before going to bed.
Avoid bending over or lying down after eating.
Do not wear tight clothing, tight belts or girdles.
Raise the head of your bed about 3 to 4 inches (40 degree angle), when you sleep.

Self-care procedures for chest pain that results from anxiety and hyperventilation:

Avoid anxiety-producing situations, if possible.
Talk over the source of your anxiety with family, friends and clergy. If this is not enough, you may need the help of a professional counselor or psychiatrist.
When you hyperventilate, cover your mouth and nose with a paper bag. Breathe into the paper bag slowly and re-breathe the air. Do this in and out at least 10 times. Remove the bag and breathe normally a few minutes. Repeat breathing in and out of the paper bag as needed.
Avoid using large amounts of aspirin or other salicylate-containing drugs.

[Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless directed by a physician, due to its association with Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.]

Self-care procedures for chest pain associated with mitral valve prolapse (MVP):

Eat healthy foods.
Avoid caffeine.
After checking with your doctor, exercise regularly to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Deal with and control stress and anxiety. Avoid anxiety-producing situations, if possible.
Don’t smoke.
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