Likewise, “men” describes people identified as males at birth.
The most common presentation of heart attack is crushing, pressure-like tightness in both men and women.
Do not ignore the symptoms.
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Is Chest Pain in Women Different Than in Men?
These hormones enlarge the heart and temporarily impair the heart’s functioning.
Postmenopausal women are most likely to develop this condition.
Pericarditis
Pericarditisis inflammation of thepericardium, the sac encompassing the heart.
Most cases of pericarditis are due to a viral infection.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Examples of conditions affecting the digestive tract that may cause chest pain include the following.
The paintermedheartburntypically occurs after eating and can awaken people from their sleep.
Regurgitation is common; other possible symptoms include trouble swallowing (dysphagia) and cough.
GERD diagnosis is usually based on a person’s reported symptoms.
Esophagitis
Esophagitisis inflammation of the esophagus.
It may cause sudden pain behind the breast bone and difficulty swallowing.
Causes include:
Anupper endoscopyis used to diagnose esophagitis.
Pneumonia is diagnosed with achest X-ray.
Pulmonary Embolism
Apulmonary embolism(PE) takes place if a blood clot lodges within the lungs.
Bone or Muscle Problems
Examples of musculoskeletal conditions that may cause chest pain include the following.
Costochondritis
Costochondritisis inflammation of the cartilage where your ribs connect to your breastbone.
Costochondritis is diagnosed based on medical history and a physical exam.
The affected areas of cartilage often show tenderness.
Diagnosis is made by a person’s medical history and physical examination.
It can be diagnosed through a physical exam and a chest X-ray.
Other risk factors include low body weight, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption, and prolonged steroid use.
How Is Chest Pain in Women Diagnosed?
Abnormal patterns on the ECG can identify a heart attack and provide clues about other heart or lung conditions.
Anyone with an ECG suggestive of a heart attack needs to go to the emergency room by ambulance.
Such tests include:
What Are the Treatment Options?
Such procedures include:
What Is a CABG?
Medications are also given during and right after a heart attack to help prevent more heart damage.
The treatment of chest pain depends on the underlying cause.
For example, with a heart attack, interventions to restore blood flow to the heart are performed immediately.
Medications are given during and after the attack to help prevent future blockages.
If you think you or someone else might be having a heart attack, call 911 right away.
Listen to your instincts and be proactiveprompt care can be lifesaving.
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