You’ve
just come from Sunday dinner at your mother-in-law’s house and a piano
has settled atop your chest. That dear woman’s sarcasm and your
husband’s nonchalance may have sent you into cardiac arrest – but
probably not.
Rather,
your mother- in-law’s fat laden food most likely has triggered gastro
esophageal reflux better known as heartburn which
occurs when stomach acids creep
up and burn the esophagus, the tube that
connects the throat to
the stomach. Heartburn can arise if you’ve eaten spicy foods or
overindulged, drunk alcoh0l or coffee or taken aspirin or other
medications.
To
relieve (and avoid) this bothersome chest, steer clear of these
triggers. Also try elevating the head of your bed four to six inches
from the ground (with blocks or books) or prevent food and acids from
sneaking up into your esophagus. (Using pillows under) your head won’t
do not the trick) You can
also take antacids after eating
– just be sure to sit up
rather than the lie down
after taking the
medication . If your heartburn refuses to dissipate. consult your
physician.
Panic
disorder, a condition often confused with a heart attack, is another
common cause of chest pain. More than three million Americans suffer
from panic disorder , which usually involves short , un predictable
attacks of intense fear
accompanied by chest pain,
shortness of breath , heart palpitations, dizziness and
sweating. Although its symptoms are similar to those of a heart
attack, a panic attack is also accompanied by an intense emotional
response – usually overwhelming fear and powerlessness. And panic
attacks tends to strike young women, but heart attack victims are
generally middle age or older. If you suspect you’re suffering from
panic disorder, talk to your doctor. She most likely will give you a
physical exam to rule our
heart problems and may want you a physical , who can prescribe coping
techniques and medication if the problem persists.
Chest
pain can also signal a heart attack. But too many women dismiss this
possibility because they consider cardiovascular problems “ a man’s
disease” and they couldn’t be more wrong.
Pay
special attention to chest
pain if you’re at risk for developing heart disease. The risk factors include a
family history of the disease, increasing age, smoking, high blood
pressure high cholesterol ,physical inactivity and obesity, And learn
the warning signs for a heart at tack,
which include uncomfortable
pressure . fullness, squeezing or
pain in the center
of the chest ; pain spreading from the chest to the shoulders, neck or
arms; and lightheadedness, fainting, sweating , nausea or shortness of
breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help
immediately .
