Chest Pain in Women
Symptoms differ, especially after menopause.
Women experience heart disease differently,
and that means your symptoms can be easy to overlook.
Chest tightness, breathlessness, indigestion, unusual fatigue. These may seem mild, but they can still signal a heart problem, especially after menopause. Women also develop heart disease more silently due to hormonal changes, stress, and microvascular dysfunction.
You’re not imagining it. And you’re not overreacting.
Your symptoms matter because you matter.
If something feels “not right,” even in small ways, let’s check it together.
A simple assessment can give you clarity, reassurance, and a peace of mind.
Take care of your heart.
Why Women's Chest Pain is Different
Many patients expect “classic” crushing chest pain.
But women more commonly experience:
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Pressure, tightness or heaviness
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Breathlessness when climbing stairs
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Sudden or persistent fatigue
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Indigestion, nausea or upper abdominal discomfort
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Pain in the back, neck, jaw or shoulder
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A “bra-tightening” or “band-like” sensation
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Dizziness or faintness
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Fluttering or irregular heartbeat
These can still be signs of reduced blood flow to the heart, even if the discomfort is subtle.
“The toothache didn't resolve despite multiple dental visits. It ended up being a heart problem”
S, Female Patient
Post-Menopausal Heart Disease
After menopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease rises sharply due to:
❌ Loss of estrogen protection
❌ Higher cholesterol levels
❌ Increased blood pressure
❌ More abdominal / visceral fat
❌ Greater likelihood of diabetes
❌ Stiffer blood vessels
❌ Microvascular dysfunction
This means that even mild or atypical chest symptoms deserve attention. Women often downplay their symptoms because they seem “not serious”.
But silent ischemia and microvascular angina are more common in women, and often missed.
Conditions That Commonly Cause Chest Pain in Women
How Dr Chan Helps
Women with Chest Pain
As a female cardiologist in Singapore specialising in Women’s Heart Health, Dr Chan focuses on identifying subtle patterns that often go unnoticed:
✔️Women-focused history taking
✔️ ECG & echocardiogram assessment
✔️ Stress evaluation or CT Coronary Angiogram if needed
✔️ Microvascular & vasospastic angina checks
✔️ Hormonal and metabolic risk assessment
✔️ Tailored management for post-menopausal women
✔️ Cardio-oncology expertise for cancer survivors
Why Choose A Female Cardiologist
Women often prefer to see a female cardiologist when they have:
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vague or subtle symptoms
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hormones or menopause-related concerns
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stress / emotional contributors
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discomfort sharing chest symptoms with male doctors
You don't have to minimise your symptoms.
Dr Chan listens for the details that matter, because women’s hearts tell a different story.
Welcome
When To See a Cardiologist
You should seek a heart evaluation if you experience:
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Recurrent chest tightness or pressure
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Breathlessness with usual activities
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Fatigue that feels “not normal”
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Pain in the jaw, back, shoulder, or upper stomach
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Chest tightness during stress or exercise
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Unexplained nausea or dizziness
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Symptoms that come and go
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Chest discomfort lasting >5 minutes
Even if you think it’s mild, it still matters.
Early detection saves lives.
This is general info only and not a substitute for medical evaluation.
Get urgent help if you experience:
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Severe chest pressure
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Chest discomfort with sweating
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Difficulty breathing
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Fainting or near-fainting
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Symptoms lasting >10 minutes
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If unsure, call emergency services immediately.
Chest Pain in Women: Common Questions
Q: Can I have heart disease even if my angiogram shows “normal” arteries?
A: Yes. Many post-menopausal women have microvascular or vasospastic disease. We’ll explain what that means and how we test for it.
Q: My chest tightness only comes when I’m stressed at work. Is that just anxiety?
A: While stress and anxiety do cause chest symptoms, we take your heart seriously. For women, the link between stress and the heart is strong. We’ll help you rule out heart causes.
Q: I’ve been told my cholesterol is “a bit high” but I feel okay. Should I still worry?
A: After menopause, your risk of heart disease jumps — so even mild abnormalities matter more. Let’s review your risk comprehensively (hormones, metabolism, small-vessel function).
Q: I’m already seeing my GP regularly; when do I see a cardiologist?
A: If you’ve had recurring chest discomfort, breathlessness on exertion, or symptoms like jaw/back pain or unexplained fatigue. It’s worth a cardiology review. The sooner we assess, the better.
Links
Women's Heart Health
The Facts about Women and Heart Disease
Women's Heart Health
The slowly evolving truth about heart disease and women
Heart Health,
with Dr Chan Po Fun
Heart symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone.
Whether you’re managing risk factors, recovering from illness, or simply staying proactive, we provide clear answers and compassionate, evidence-based care to protect your heart and your life.
Take charge of your heart. Schedule your appointment today.