The human body is constantly under threat — from the environment, our lifestyle, microorganisms, and even our genetics. Though the body does its best to keep us healthy, we're ultimately vulnerable to disease and illness.
Fortunately, almost every disorder, infection, or disease that can affect the body is manifested through several symptoms that warn us that something is wrong and we need medical help.
Because the body almost always sends warning signals in the form of symptoms, it is extremely important to pay attention to every sign and every pain or discomfort that appears. The human body can be seen as a very complex machine composed of many systems and organs. Every kind of pain that occurs in any part of the body is only a symptom of a condition and should be checked and diagnosed — because it is a sign that some part of the "machine" needs repair or maintenance.
What can cause pain in the middle of the chest?
Pain between the breasts in women: Could it be a sign of heart attack?
Any pain that appears immediately between the breasts in women should be taken seriously, because this kind of chest pain is, among other things, a common symptom that people who are about to suffer a heart attack also experience.
However, although pain in the middle of the chest is the main symptom of an impending heart attack in men, the kind of pain that suddenly appears between the breasts in women may indicate many other medical conditions that are not related to any heart diseases, as well.
Younger women of reproductive age, who are not yet at the stage of entering menopause, are considered to have a low risk of having a heart attack. This is so because the level of the hormone estrogen is high before the menopause, and this female hormone helps prevent the narrowing of the arteries, thus reducing the risk of having a heart attack. When a woman enters menopause, the ovaries do not produce the hormone estrogen anymore, and then women become equally susceptible to the developing of heart diseases.
The fact that younger women are less likely to have a heart attack does not mean anyone who falls into this category should ignore pain in the middle of the chest. Other symptoms of heart attack common in women include feelings of tightness in the chest, discomfort in the arms, neck, back, or even jaw, and lightheadedness, cold sweats, and nausea.
Other causes of chest pain between the breasts in women
When a woman experiences chest pain centered between the breasts, it is important to immediately go and consult a doctor. This will allow you to receive an accurate diagnosis — serious conditions can be ruled in or out, and treatment provided where necessary.
One of the conditions a doctor must check for is coronary heart disease. For diagnosing coronary heart disease the doctors use a stress test. If the main cause of the chest pain between the breasts is coronary heart disease, the test proves positive.
Another cause of such chest pain pain is a condition called microvascular dysfunction. This disorder is marked by abnormal constriction of the blood vessels or with the small blood vessels that do not widen as they should to provide the normal blood flow.
Furthermore, plaque accumulation may also occur in the arteries, which makes the blood flow difficult, thus causing chest pain.
Endothelial dysfunction is also responsible for the occurring of the uncomfortable pain in the chest. This condition is characterized by the improper function of the cells that line the inner surface of the blood vessels.
Chest pain between the breasts can also, however, be caused by something less threatening, such as acid reflux. Never ignore worrying symptoms, and always seek out proper diagnosis, but also remember that panic is not helpful
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