What Specific Factors Contribute to Chest Pain in Women?

Women experience chest pain in ways that differ from men due to several specific factors. First, differences in heart anatomy and function play a role: women often have smaller coronary arteries and are more likely to have microvascular dysfunction, which means the tiny blood vessels in the heart do not work as well, leading to chest pain without obvious blockages. Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels, can also affect how the heart and blood vessels function. Furthermore, women may experience atypical symptoms such as burning, tightness, or pain that radiates to the back, neck, or jaw, rather than the classic crushing chest pain. Research also suggests that women might be more sensitive to pain or interpret it differently because of both biological and psychological factors. Because of these differences, it's important for healthcare providers to use gender-specific approaches when evaluating and treating chest pain in women.