Management of noncardiac chest pain in women

Womens Health (Lond). 2012 Mar;8(2):131-43; quiz 144-5. doi: 10.2217/whe.12.3.

Abstract

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is very prevalent in the community. Although mortality remains low, morbidity and the financial implications are high. Women, especially those of middle age, should be thoroughly investigated as per current guidelines for coronary artery disease before labeling their chest pain as NCCP. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common cause of NCCP; however other esophageal pathology including esophageal hypersensitivity, neuromuscular disease and eosinophilic esophagitis may also cause NCCP. Proton pump inhibitors are commonly used initially to manage NCCP, although patients who do not respond to this therapy require further investigation and differing treatment regimes. This article will focus on current knowledge regarding GI tract-related NCCP management strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chest Pain / etiology*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Management
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / complications
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / diagnosis
  • Esophagus / pathology*
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / diagnosis*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pain Management
  • Prevalence
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors