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Published on: 5/6/2025

What could cause chest pain at night specifically in women?

In women, chest pain at night can be linked to heart issues that show up differently than in men, and it can also be related to sleep disturbances, stress, or other non-heart problems.

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Explanation

Women sometimes feel chest pain at night because heart disease can act a bit differently in them than in men. Conditions like reduced blood flow to the heart might cause pain that shows up when you are resting and trying to sleep. Besides heart problems, many women suffer from sleep disturbances and stress that make discomfort more noticeable at night. When you are in bed, quiet and still, you might focus more on any ache or tightness in your chest. This sleep-related pain can also be affected by anxiety or even hormonal changes. Because heart problems sometimes cause pain at night in women, it is important to share these symptoms with your doctor. Your doctor may run some tests like an electrocardiogram or blood tests to see if your heart is working well, and they may also check your sleep patterns or ask about stress and anxiety. Understanding the cause of the pain is key to getting the right help and feeling better.

(References)

  • Keteepe-Arachi T, Sharma S. Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Understanding Symptoms and Risk Factors. Eur Cardiol. 2017 Aug;12(1):10-13. doi: 10.15420/ecr.2016:32:1. PMID: 30416543; PMCID: PMC6206467.

  • Cole CS, McSweeney JC, Cleves MA, Armbya N, Bliwise DL, Pettey CM. Sleep disturbance in women before myocardial infarction. Heart Lung. 2012 Sep-Oct;41(5):438-45. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2012.05.007. Epub 2012 Jul 6. PMID: 22770599; PMCID: PMC3432660.

  • Keteepe-Arachi T, Sharma S. Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Understanding Symptoms and Risk Factors. Eur Cardiol. 2017 Aug;12(1):10-13. doi: 10.15420/ecr.2016:32:1. PMID: 30416543; PMCID: PMC6206467.

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