What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

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Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Common Symptoms: Chest Pain and Discomfort

Chest Pain (Angina): The most prevalent symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) is chest pain or discomfort, often referred to as angina. This pain can radiate to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw and is typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. It usually lasts for a few minutes and improves with rest . Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries .

Exertional Chest Pain and Dyspnea: Exertional chest pain and shortness of breath (dyspnea) are also common symptoms. These symptoms can occur during physical activity or even at rest, indicating insufficient blood flow through the coronary arteries.

Additional Symptoms: Shortness of Breath and Fatigue

Shortness of Breath: Many individuals with CAD experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. This symptom is due to the heart's reduced ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs .

Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom, often resulting from the heart's decreased efficiency in circulating blood. Patients may feel unusually tired after routine activities like climbing stairs.

Unusual Symptoms: Hiccups and Epigastric Discomfort

Intractable Hiccups: In rare cases, CAD can present with unusual symptoms such as intractable hiccups. This atypical manifestation can be the only symptom in some patients, highlighting the need for a high index of suspicion for CAD in individuals with persistent hiccups and risk factors for heart disease.

Epigastric Discomfort and Vomiting: Some patients may experience epigastric discomfort, which can be mistaken for gastrointestinal issues. This discomfort, along with symptoms like vomiting, can also indicate underlying CAD.

Severe Symptoms: Heart Attack and Heart Failure

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack is a severe manifestation of CAD, occurring when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is completely blocked. Symptoms include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and other signs like sweating and nausea. In many cases, a heart attack may be the first indication of CAD .

Heart Failure: CAD can lead to heart failure, characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, stomach, and neck veins. These symptoms result from fluid buildup due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively.

Gender Differences in Symptoms

Women vs. Men: Women with CAD often experience more frequent angina than men, even though they may have less extensive coronary artery disease. Women are also more likely to present with atypical symptoms, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Coronary artery disease presents with a range of symptoms, from the common chest pain and shortness of breath to unusual manifestations like intractable hiccups. Understanding these symptoms and their variations, including gender differences, is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of CAD.