Stress Chest Pains in Women
by Anna Hart
Filed under Heart Disease Symptoms
Stress chest pains in women can be frightening. The tightening sensation is similar to that described in heart attack. The thought that it might be heart attack can increase stress chest pains.
Stress chest pains in women may indeed be heart related, but they may be something else. Not all that is called chest pain is a result of heart disease. The part of the spinal cord that receives pain signals from the heart is near the spinal cord area that receives similar signals for chest pain. Because of this, run over in these spinal cord areas can make us believe we have heart pain when it is chest pain. It can also make us believe we have chest pain, arm, or even back pain when it is the heart.
Causes of Chest Pains in Women
It would be foolish to attempt to list every cause of chest pain in women, but the following are an example. You will want to discuss your chest pain with a qualified, licensed physician.
* Angina pectoris: Chest pains may indicate one or more blocked arteries. The blockage reduces blood flow to the heart, depriving it of oxygen and resulting in chest pain. This chest pain is pressure, often said to feel like an elephant sitting on the chest, or vise-like pain.
* Periconditis: Another heart problem that may cause chest pains is periconditis, inflammation of the heart lining.
* Other Heart Conditions: Other cardiac problems can also cause chest pains in women and men alike.
* Musculoskeletal: Chest pain may, however involve muscles and the skeleton. Chest pain of this type usually produces tenderness of the chest wall when it is touched. It may also be felt when the shoulder or arm are moved.
* Gall Bladder: Chest pain that is related to eating may be gall bladder disease.
* Acid reflux: Chest pain that is felt when the stomach is empty might be related to acid reflux, heartburn, or ulcer disease.
* Arthritis: Chest pain may also be referred pain from arthritis of the cervical spine area.
Stress Chest Pains in Women
Stress chest pains in women are not surprising when you consider the effects of stress on the body. Stress, when it is a response to negative demands made upon us, is often a “fight-or-flight” response. It brings about definite physical changes. It prepares the body to run away or fight the enemy.
When this response is activated, the brain calls for a flood of chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol, and noradrenaline. These chemicals are released into the bloodstream, and the body undergoes a series of dramatic changes.
* You breathe faster.
* Blood is redirected from the digestive tract to muscles and limbs. This provides energy and fuel for running and fighting.
* Your pupils dilate and your eyesight sharpens.
* Your awareness intensifies, and your impulses quicken.
* Muscles contract and tighten.
* … and more
These physical changes can tighten the chest, causing chest pains. If the woman believes the chest pains indicate a serious health challenge, she may further tighten the muscles, increasing stress chest pains.
Helpful Tip
Chest pain can indicate coronary artery disease, but it can also be caused by conditions that are not related to the heart, most of which are less serious. If you have chest pains of any type, it is best to err on the side of caution. See a physician immediately and discuss your concerns.
oh and sometimes my heart races randomyly and chokes me up.
My chest pains started 3 nights ago. I am 22 years old, eat fairly healthy and not overweight. It feels like pressure in between my breasts and builds up more towards the left side and then there is some relief. Then the pressure builds up again and continues to do this for awhile. There is often a gurgling noise from the left side and I don’t know what’s causing it. I haven’t slept at all. I will be heading to the doctors within an hour.
getting pain in left chest side..i am 29yr old female..please advise me i am worried
Additional Details
iam very stressed. for around 1month.doctor advised as low pressure.getting pain in left side of chest..please advise me.
Mine is stress related. I am 27 and in good health, and when I get stressed the pain can be unbearable in the left side, right under the upper part of my breast. But then something else happens and I can’t figure it out… I get so tired that if I lay down I will fall asleep in an instant. It’s like I get to the point where my body can’t handle it and it shuts down. What should I do?
I’m 20 years old, have been getting very bad chest pains since I was 14. I am medium build, fairly fit and eat healthily. The pain is in the left side of my chest, around where my heart is. Mu chest tightens and it feels like my heart is thumping very hard and fast. I have been to specialist heart hospitals in London, they said my heart is in very good health. Whenever I get sent to hospital in lots of pain, by the time I get there and plugged up to an ECG machine it goes.
They now think that it is Costochondritis. I get it whenever I am stressed about my personal life. I have to breathe very deep breaths (even though that is what hurts) and eventually it goes. Normally Costochondritis happens once in your life, apparently I’m “specially made”. Hope this helps some of you!
I am having chest pains when I exert myself and right now at rest.
I am 49, overweight, have all kinds of risks, diabetic, smoke (currently quitting), obese, you name it. I just went to the dr. today who wouldnt put me on HRT because of my family history and health issues. He wants me to get gastric bypass done. I am very scared. Should I go see a dr. now? what can they do? The pains in my chest are really not bad, just a dull ache…oh and I have leg pain with shorthness of breath
I’ve been depressed, having insomnia, the chest pains are dminishing now, its only after I exert myself, should I go see my GP right now? I really dont want to go to the ER thats too expensive and it a virtual zoo…
I guess the worst symptom I’ve had is this extreme fatigue. I mean I am so tired, I feel exhausted and my legs are so week and calves hurt so bad and I do get dizzy at times… there’s a lot of symptoms I am having that are really scaring me…
please let me know if you think I am about ready to have a heart attack, my GYN said this morning he thought I could have one, but didnt make it sound imminent but he scared me because he wouldnt put me on HRT because of my physical situation, medical history, he listened to my heart, but I didnt tell him how bad I have been feeling, these symptoms have been around off and on for the past 1 and 1/2 weeks
I’m 15 and I have been getting chest pains for a month now. It’s just under my breast and behind my rib cage. I haven’t told anyone because it could just be growth pains. But the pains have been getting stronger and I dont know whether I am just worrying too much and it is stress related. It is beginning to worry me because I have no idea what it is. I eat healthily and I exercise regularly and I’m not over weight. What can I do? And what is it?
I am 31 years old, This is my second day having chest pain as it is reffered to. But it feels more like poking and squeezing of that area. I noticed this happened right after a small argument, but I have been very stressed lately.
I am scared to think this is a heart attack. Has anyone got a response yet?
email me with your outcome cg1818@sbcglobal.net
I’m 17. I broke up with my boyfriend a couple months ago, started getting sick from then. We just keep having constant fights. I’ve tried just being friends. I’m depressed, have insomnia, lost a lot of weight in the past couple months, had anxiety attacks, and now I just keep getting chest pains, right in the middle above my small breasts where that bone is. It feels like something is poking and stabbing inside my chest and it burns and is really tense. What is it?
my girlfriend is 16 and is about 100lbs. shes been having sharp pains in her chest, shortness of breath, dizzyness, and she fights it hard to breath at times. shes also cold most of the time and can’t sleep through the night. her doctor says its just stress but its not. any information will be greatly appreciated.
I am 15 and have been having chest pains for about 2 years now. At first it didn’t happen all that often, maybe a few times a month. These pains have gradually began hurting more often. I have chest pains every day now and they can last anywhere from 3 minutes to a few hours. I am also experiencing lightheadedness, constant fatigue. I have sports induced athsma, but i am out of breathe from walking up a small flight of stairs, and afterwords feel dizzy and my heart begins to race and pound in my chest and head. 2 years ago I could run 2 miles and now I can only run 1/2 a mile. After any kinda physical exertions or activity i feel lightheaded and i get a headache. I occasionally experience palpitations. The chest pains are usually present all day and feel heavy and very tight in my chest. From time to time I get very sharp pains on either side of my chest and even below my sternum. Also i am constantly short of breathe and my inhaler doesn’t seem to be doing anything at all. When I breathe i feel like i can’t get all of the air out of my chest and often find my self yawning so i can get some air. My pediatrician says it’s just stress, but i’m stressed about anything. Please help me put my mind at ease. It would be greatly appreciated, and should I seek another opinion, because my pediatrician didn’t even ask me what kind of chest pains I was experiencing.
I’m 21.I’ve been having chest pain for the past year. The pain is unbeleivable, it feels like there’s someone sitting on my chest. I can’t breathe, it feels like someone is choking me all the time. I am too tired all the time, i cant sleep well. The pain is on my left side, on my heart side, but i know its not my heart. Sometimes it feels like my whole left side hurts. It’s all caused my stress. Ok i understand that its caused by stress, but what is the solution?
i am 21 yrs old, my chest pains are not regular but when they come they hit hard…its in the middle of my chest, it feels like my rib cage is squeezing into my lung, which makes it hard to breath. the pain is so unbearable that i cnt move, it would usually continue until i feel sick and throw up, then it would go and i would feel better after wards.
if it continues im gonna have to force myself to go to the Drs.
Mine is stress related. I am 30 and in fairly good health, and when I get stressed the pain can be unbearable in the left side, right under the upper part of my breast. my stress level is high i fight with my boyfreind and my family alot .I get so tired that if I lay down I will fall asleep in an instant. It’s like I get to the point where my body can’t handle it and it shuts down.
I’m 18 years old, and when I was in the tenth grade started having heart palpitations. The doctor issued me a monitor, but I didn’t wear it like I should have. This year, two years later, my heart started palpitating or racing again. It started after a UTI, which I first blamed the palpitating on the Cypro the doctor prescribed me. I went to see a cardiologist they did EKG and an ultrasound, and I wore a heart monitor for a month. I recorded what I thought to be a palpitation everyday. The doctor informed me that my heart rythm was normal. I blamed it on anxiety. Weeks later the right side of my chest hurt so bad all the way into my shoulder and neck. Now it has started hurting some on the left side. I think it’s anxiety, does anyone else experience these problems?
I am barely 14 years old but I feel a pain go thru me. It starts at the middle of my chest right between my breasts and it works it’s way thru to my back. I have this pain at least twice a day and I’ve started having it two days ago. I am worried because it is a sharp pain and it hurts very badly. It feels as if the pain is connected from my chest to my back and it just goes right thru me. I wonder if you could please help me because my heart tends to hurt sometimes after the pain.
I am 18 years old and i say im in pretty good health, but my chest pains are giving me doubts. Around my sophmore year i had visit a doc and told him the sharp pains i’ve been having in my chest. His response to my concern is that i had some hormone thing goin on. He prescribed me some pills and I stopped using it a year later. The pain still comes and goes but recently i went to go jog and before i could finish 2 minutes of running I had a pain in my left chest area. The pain was so bad i had trouble breathing. My throat felt like it was closing. Then the rest of the day i had to control the way i inhaled. Now that i think of it, i’ve been having lower back pains too. And that comes and goes. So what’s you thoughts in this? Please, comment back.
hi,im 22 and i just came back from the hospital i was having horrible chest pains it the left side of my left breast, i had many test done but they found nothing, they said it was only stress.it still hurts, but not that much!!!
Khristy- I have the same problem as you.
4 wks ago I had extreme fatigue went to the Dr. did blood tests thought I might be pregnant(atleast that would be a good reason) Everything looked great except my creatine was high. I just thought it was my high protien diet and to cut back on the meat. A cold developed with bronchitis two days later. Back to the Dr due to the low grade fever and was put on antibiotics for 5 days. Returned to work after the antibiotics for 2 days still exhausted and lack of energy. Spent the weekend in bed from exhaustion, still coughing and heaviness in my chest. Went back to work still not feeling well and scheduled a follow up appointment. Dr put me out of work for the rest of the week stating severe congestion to get rest, but not bed rest. With an inhaler and 2nd dose of antibiotics felt a little better and did an hour of grocery shopping. I paid for it the next day, extreme pain in my lungs and tired. The next 2 days completely exhausted. The 3rd day I went to the ER for chest pain in my left side above my breast on the right side. I also had numbness in my hands and lips. I had high blood pressure. My heart enzymes came back high so they kept me for 2 days. After resting in the hospital for 2 days unable to do anything I felt better and was able to return home. I followed up with my GP who ordered a CT. That came back today as normal. I still have the pain, a little cough, occasionally lose my voice and fatigue. IBprofen is not helping and it hurts more when I reach for something. My hubby and some techs say it is just stress, for this long. I am checking out a counselor for stress reduction, though I swear I should just get a maid.
Still don’t know what is wrong with me and don’t know if I ever will 4 weeks of not feeling myself not fun.
Hi, I have a solution that I hope will help!
I am 25 and have been experiencing heart/chest pain on and off since high school. Sometimes it would feel like my heart is tightening up, other times it would hurt worse when I take a deep inhale. And sometimes it can feel like a constant weight sitting on my chest.
The worst part is that it can sometimes be scary or feel like something serious. But the good news is since many of you are young like me with the same symptoms- you are most likely dealing with Anxiety, panic attacks, and stress. Fortunately, by easing stress, you can get rid of these symptoms. Now, if I get a slight chest pain, I can realize that there is some stress nagging on me and that I need to relax.
Here is what worked for me to ease anxiety and stress:
1. Meditate: When you first wake up spend some time doing yoga, meditating, or reading something inspirtational. This will start your day with some quality relaxation time and reflection.
2. Read and watch inspirational books, movies, and television shows. (Shows like True Blood can get you tensed up without even knowing it!)
3. Get Exercise (The kind that makes you breathe hard and sweat!). This one takes motivation. But its worth it! The more the better!
4. Get Sunshine: Soak up some rays for an hour a day. You’d be surprised how much happiness can come from a sprinkle of sunshine.
5. Eat the Rainbow: Make sure you eat fruits and veggies from every color spectrum to get your fill! Colorful
6. Get Spiritual: Activities such as reading the bible, meditating, going to church/ temple, can really help relieve stress. If you have any sort of spiritual practice
7. Try something new: Take up a musical instrument, take yoga classes, join a language group or a rowing club. You might find something new that you really enjoy, and extra happiness replaces sadness or worry.
I hope this helps! Don’t worry, it will get better!
Hi.. I’m 20 years old and I have this terrible chest pain (wich feels like is heart pain), I think thats not always caused by stress, Im not in stress now days and I have it so often, I even can remember I was little girl, maybe around 8 and I had this pain, but till now, that pain erased within the most 2 minutes, now maybe within 2 hours, it hurts so bad.. I can’t take deep breath, I can’t lie on bed ‘cos of the pain.. does anybody now why do I have this pain? and what should I do ? .. thanks
Maybe twice a month, “sometimes not even that” I’ll have a chest pain. It feels sharp, and bold. Kind of feels like pressure. It gets stronger and fades, sort of in the same pattern though. It sort of scares me in a way as well. It is very irritating. It is directly between my breast. I’m not sure what the problem is or if this website explains it. One thing is for sure I am stressed out “at the moment”, and it’s happening now. Sometimes I’m not though
Everytime i get upset my left arm gets pain in the shoulder, all up the inside of the arm, and i feel like i can’t move the hand. the feeling is worst at my wrist and elbow, and almost feels like it was asleep… i also get pain high in the left side of my chest right under the collar bone and feel like i can’t breath. is this just stress related? is there any way to stop the pain? i am starting to really worry.
Hi, I’m female 51, smoke approx 25 a day from age 18. My 23 year old son was killed 2 years ago in an accident in work. Have quite a stressful fulltime job. I have been having quite bad chest pains for just over a week now. It’s in the centre of my chest and I also have pain between my shoulder blades and up the sides of my neck. My mother had angina but died of lung cancer at 60. Her sister died aged 42 from heart attack. Should I be worried?
Many thanks,
Mag
Hello -
I am alarmed as I read through the symptoms above and the age of individuals reporting these symptoms. The majority of you are so young and should be in good health. I believe our society is causing your issues and stress is the culprit. The stressors on individuals today are extreme and can cause horrific side effects. Prior to my mother passing, she was sick for several years. I had experienced these symptoms along with tingling and numbing in my limbs. Finally after evaluation by a doctor, I found out I was experiencing panic attacks. I urge you to follow the comments left by Elle’s post and find your chi. You have to take matters into your own hands and de-compress otherwise this stress at such a young age will damage your heart and set one up for future cardiac issues. Please, please take care now to avoid serious issues later on in life.
All the best,
Tara
I am having very painful chest burning and dull pain. It started when I was diagnosed with skin cancer two weeks ago. I had the spot removed and I am waiting for the biopsy results. My chest is hurting above my breasts, on the bones, wrapping under my arms. Advil does not help. I am very anxious about my skin cancer. My mom passed away last year, my dad has cancer, etc…. Could this be stress related? I am 50, perimenopausal, very healthy, eat well, 5’6″ 110 pounds.
Please help,…..
Hi, I’m a 26 y/o female and have these chest pains whenever I’m stressed. The first episode I had was a year ago and it scared the life out of me. My chest felt like it was on fire, just a general chest burning sensation, tightness, and it was spreading down my left arm and up to my jaw. Since I work in the hospital, I took myself straight to the ER. They performed multiple EKG’s, did a stress test, blood work, heart cath. Everything came back fine, except my heart enzymes were up. So they kept me for a couple of days because of the enzymes. They discharged me with a diagnosis of viral myocarditis which is simply a virus that instead of infecting my respiratory tract and causing a flu, it went into my heart and caused myocarditis. Since that episode, I notice that every time I’m going through a stressful situation, the chest burning sensation comes back. My heart starts skipping beats and beating irregularly. Once it starts, it has to run its course, usually a few days. After one stressful even (fight with my husband) the symptoms lasted for a week. I immediately get dizzy and think something horrible is happening. I just have to keep telling myself that it’s anxiety and calm myself down. They prescribed Ativan for me but I try to relax by myself without meds. Does anyone experience shakiness during all of this? I notice that when I’m extremely stressed my hands start shaking and my knees go weak and I just feel dizzy overall.
I’m 20 years old and I’ve been getting upper chest pain mostly located near my heart. Sometimes its pressure with some sharp pains, other times I’m fully aware that its heartburn … what …. is the solution??? I have anti anxiety to prevent panic attacks and everything under the sun for heartburn….. I even have meds to slow my heart rate down when it races due to the panicking caused by the pain and or pressure in the first place!! I’m very stressed out. And I’m positive that this issue is stressing me out even more. Someone please contact me if you feel the same. I’m losing sleep and my mind. Let me know I’m not crazy.
I’m 43 and I am overweight I am also suffering from serval health issues such as degenerative disc, high blood pressure and diabetes. For the last 2 nights I’ve had chest pain in the upper middle part of my chest right below my chin and was wondering what this could be its got me scared that it’s a heart attack and because I’m overweight and diabetic it really has me scared also my shoulders ackes as well both sides and right at the top of my shoulder can anyone help me find out what this is ? I dont have any health insurance so i cannot go to the doctor.
i’m 15 yrs old and i have chest pain that lasts 4 about 4 minutes everyday and sometimes my heart hurta and it starts beating fast so can u help?
Hello everybody…. I do have chest pain sometimes, that’s how I found this site and now reading all your posts. First of all, to all the girls and women – if you have chest pain occasionally, please go to doctor for check up! Nobody can advice you over email what do to. To eliminate all the worries, ask your doctor to check your heart and if it is OK, then you can blame your pains on stress and etc. Take app. to the doctor – when you will know that it is not your heart, you will eliminate extra stress by knowing and at least you will know where to start treatment. Life is full of stress and anxiety, just have to learn how to deal with it. Good luck to all!
I am 24 years old and recently gained some wieght. I get random sharp pains under my left breast right where my heart it. I’m a stay home mother of 2 boys under three and I’m stressed but not to the point of it causing my pain. Does anyone know why random chest pains would happen like that? And is it possibly wieght related?
Im 34 and have had chest pains and many other helth problems do to my job im under alot of stress from my job. it started to get worse at the beging of the year im a property manager for 3 apt buildings and i live on site of one with my husband and daughter. the company i work for has been pressuring me and isnt the best enviorment. i started to get sharp chest pains headaches my hearing and vision would gt affected and so on. its pretty scary to have those pains i even went to the hospital cause it hurt bad and went to my arm they diagnosed me with severe stress and anxiety.
i got a bit better then stressful job stuff kept coming and im feeling it again its scarey
I am 32 years old and have suffered chest pains for quite some time. I too am a smoker, and could stand to lose 50 pounds. My blood pressure is perfect, and although I sometimes feel like I’m not getting enough air, my oxygen levels are always good. I have had many EKG’s done and they do not show anything. Chest x-rays & blood work are good too. I have noticed when I am stressed it kicks up, and when I sit and think about it, it feels worse. Overall I would tell everyone to check with your doctors- better safe than sorry. There are simple tests to check your ticker
Also if you are at risk for heart & health issues- I would try to alter lifestyle a bit- I’m currently smoking more than ever so I think cutting down would be a great start for me. I also found tracking when I get the pain seems to help me figure out why I have it. I would start a journal to document every time you have the pain, and try to figure out if you ate something your body doesn’t agree with, or stress. I must have something wrong with me somewhere even though my tests are normal. Because frequent chest pain just shouldn’t be normal. At times my arm feels a little like a rubber band is around it too- not sure if that’s in my head or if it really feels that way. I hope this helps. I have found everyone else’s comments helpful.