Symptoms Of Coronary Artery Disease

Common Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Chest Pain and Discomfort (Angina)

The most prevalent symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) is chest pain or discomfort, often referred to as angina. This pain can manifest as a sensation of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. It may also radiate to other parts of the body, including the shoulders, arms, back, neck, or jaw . Angina typically occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress and usually subsides with rest or medication like nitroglycerin.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another common symptom of CAD. This can occur during physical activity or even at rest, depending on the severity of the disease. It is often a result of the heart's reduced ability to pump blood effectively due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries .

Fatigue and Weakness

Patients with CAD may experience fatigue and general weakness, especially during physical activities. This is due to the heart's decreased efficiency in supplying oxygen-rich blood to the body .

Heart Attack

In many cases, the first sign of CAD may be a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness. This occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is completely blocked, often by a ruptured plaque in the coronary artery .

Less Common Symptoms

Exertional Chest Pain/Dyspnea

Exertional chest pain or dyspnea (difficulty breathing) can also be symptoms of CAD. These symptoms are often attributed to the insufficiency of the epicardial coronary arteries. However, in some cases, especially among women, these symptoms may occur without significant epicardial coronary artery stenosis, indicating the presence of coronary microvascular disease (CMD).

Heartburn-like Sensations

Some individuals with CAD may experience sensations similar to heartburn. This can be misleading and may delay the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Swelling and Fluid Retention

In advanced stages of CAD, patients may experience swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, stomach, and veins in the neck. This is often due to heart failure, a complication of CAD, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the body.

Gender Differences in Symptoms

Women vs. Men

Research indicates that women with CAD often experience more frequent angina than men, even though they may have less severe ischemia and less extensive coronary artery disease. Women are also more likely to have non-obstructive CAD, which can complicate the diagnosis and management of the disease.

Conclusion

Coronary artery disease presents with a variety of symptoms, the most common being chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In severe cases, a heart attack may be the first indication of the disease. Understanding these symptoms and their variations, including gender differences, is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management of CAD. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are essential preventive measures.

Symptoms of coronary artery disease

Summary

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