Left and/or right side chest pain in women are caused by a wide variety of factors. Though many believe that chest pain is due to a heart attack or other diseases related to the heart, this is not necessarily the case. Many chest pains, especially in women, have different culprits. Hence, it is quite difficult to diagnose left or right side chest pain in women.
In many instances, when there is an occurrence of chest pains, women who suffer this are subjected to tests and evaluations to find out if the pain is related to coronary heart disease. When these tests prove to be negative, no further examinations are conducted since chest pains are mainly regarded as a symptom of heart-related problems.
The Relationship of Women and Heart Disease
As corroborated by many studies, women who still have their periods are less at risk of having heart diseases. This is due to the high estrogen levels in women before menopause. Estrogen helps prevent the arteries from narrowing, also known as atherosclerosis; hence, preventing the occurrence of heart disease. Be aware, though, that this does not exclude women from having heart attacks. It just tells us that they are less at risk when compared to their men counterparts. After menopause, on the other hand, estrogen levels decrease, making post-menopausal females at equal risk with males.
So what do these facts mean? They mean that when there is an occurrence of left or right side chest pain in women, do not disregard it even if you have been cleared of coronary heart disease. Find out what the cause is so you can be diagnosed and treated appropriately and promptly.
Causes of Chest Pain in Women
To know more about the possible causes of left or right side chest pain in women, read the following.
• Micro vascular dysfunction
Is a condition in which the small blood either constricts abnormally or do not dilate. This results to impaired blood supply to the heart, hence, causing pain in the chest.
• Endothelial dysfunction
This is a condition characterized by the improper functioning of the cells that are found on the inner surfaces of the blood vessels.
Women who suffer chest pains are subjected to stress test to find out if the pain is a result of coronary heart disease. When the result is positive, as is typically the case, confirmatory tests such as angiograms are conducted to verify the presence of heart disease. These tests, will most probably tell you negative.
The two conditions mentioned above are the usual causes of hard-to-diagnose chest pains. Also, build up of plaque in the arteries can occur in such a way that an angiogram fails to detect its presence.
Other conditions that may cause left or right side chest pain in women are listed below.
• Pulmonary embolism
This condition arises when there are blood clots in the blood vessels that bring blood to the lungs. This can result to chest pain. Read more about pulmonary embolism
• Pneumothorax
This results when there is accumulation of gas or air around the lungs. The chest pain resembles that of getting stabbed.
• Esophageal reflux
Also known as acid reflux, this is a condition wherein the gastric contents are leaked back to the esophagus. This is manifested by a burning sensation in the chest.
• Costochondritis
When the bones and cartilage of the chest swell, this could result to chest pain. Here is more information on costchondritis symptoms and treatment
• Mitral prolapse
• Mitral stenosis
This happens when there is an impediment of blood flow between the heart and the body. Here is more information on mitral stenosis.
• Angina
This refers to the chest pain that occurs because of a deficiency of oxygenated blood in the muscles of the heart.
• Vulvular Heart Disease
This refers to any disease that involves the valves of the heart.
• Rheumatic Heart Disease
This usually occurs after rheumatic fever attacks and involves damage to the heart and its membranes.
• Anxiety and Stress
These should not be taken lightly as these are also found to cause left and right side chest pain in women.
There are conditions that are responsible for many right side chest pains in women. These conditions or problems have nothing to do with the heart at all.
• Pneumonia
• Liver diseases (i.e. hepatitis)
• Gas problems
• Improper posture
• Rapid breathing
Prevention of chest pain in women
Women should take all necessary steps to prevent the occurrence of heart diseases. You should control your cholesterol level by adhering to a healthier diet and lifestyle. Try not to smoke and control any excessive weight gain to make your heart healthier.
Since most chest pains are associated with coronary heart disease, it is important to heed them, whether it is a left side or right side chest pain in women. When you experience chest pain, have it checked promptly. Though it has nothing to do with any heart problems, it is better that you know what is causing it so you can address the problem promptly to prevent further complications.
Thanks for this post! I have this pain on my right chest for couple of days already, maybe i should see a doctor if it won’t go away til next week.
For 4 days I have experienced pain under my right breast and goes through the body to the back. It hurts worse when my back is in contact with a chair or bed. On my way to the doctor before it gets worse.
Kathy, I have been expierencing something extremely similar to what you were feeling, what did the doctors say?
I have severe pains in my right side of my chest! It is extremely scary and my skin gets sweaty and clammy. Similar to someone stabbing me I would say and goes through to my back. I absolutely cannot move anything or even breathe deeply when this happens. It’s always on my right side. What could be causing this?????
Hi , I am experiencing dull chest pain behind
My chest . I am 36DD and even when I lift my
Breast it hurts behind it, and when I breath in.
Started today. For two weeks my left arm has been
Hurting. From my whole shoulder to my fingers.
Not to touch it. Or bend it. But inside. I never know
When the pain is going to surge. I know it’s there
In my arm it’s dull. But if I try to do anything . Or I could
Be just watching TV . It’s a unbelievable paralyzingly
Bring tears to my eyes pain that goes down my left arm.
I always have to stop and take a minute frozen
Till it goes away.. More pains r coming a day now. And
Today the the dull chest pain..I have ignored it. When I
Told the doc about my arm a week ago about
My arm when it first scared me and not as painful
He booked a stress Test . It’s not for another
Two weeks. I am wondering if I should wait?
Thank you
Don’t wait! Call your doctor!
Well i have hepatitis C i dont take any kind of medicine for mu Hepatitis C .However i have been feeling a diffrent pain on my right side middle of my chest, its heavey pressure goes to my shoulder blade on right side .What can this be that im feelimg should i be worried is this serious is my Hep C causeing this discomfort…
I’ve been experiencing severe pain on my right side of my body directly under my right breast. During the day there would be shooting pain making it hard to breath sometimes
I just recently been sick with flu/ pneumonia and have been doing neb treatments with atravent and albuteral.
The muscle cramps in my calf and lower chest are really intense , I’m thinking it’s a potassium issue so I been drink on like crazy, gatoraid, and taking magisium.
The chest cramps are random mostly during the day time hours however the calfs at night time.
Any idea’s on what I need to do to stop them.
hi,
i have been having chest pains then progressed to the shoulder on the same right side for more the one year now,Have gone to different hospitals.i have done x-rays and ct-scan for the chest n nothing alarming.what might be the problem.
A shoulder MRI was prescribed though am yet.
should i go for a coronary heart disease first if it turn -ve i continue with the shoulder MRI kindly..