What Are the Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common condition among the elderly. In recent years, however, a trend toward earlier onset has emerged, with middle-aged patients gradually increasing in number. Common underlying causes include hyperlipidemia and hyperlipidemia-induced heart disease. Individuals with these chronic conditions face a relatively higher risk of developing CAD. Typical symptoms of CAD include chest tightness, shortness of breath, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction. So, what are the characteristic symptoms of coronary artery disease?

What Are the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?

CAD impairs blood supply to the heart muscle, resulting in a sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest—often described as chest tightness and shortness of breath. This is one of the most common manifestations of CAD, particularly after strenuous physical activity or work, or during episodes of emotional stress, when symptoms tend to intensify. If left unmanaged, such episodes may critically threaten the patient’s life and health.

Angina pectoris arises from pathological changes—including, in some cases, mitral valve prolapse—that affect and compress the heart. Under this influence, patients experience angina—a burning, oppressive pain localized to the chest, often persisting for an extended duration. Typically, an episode lasts 5–15 minutes, followed by partial relief before recurring. Myocardial infarction represents the most severe manifestation of CAD; once triggered, it can lead to death within approximately 10–20 minutes if not treated immediately.

Given the unpredictable and episodic nature of CAD, patients should always carry medications for rapid relief of angina—such as sublingual nitroglycerin—to administer promptly at the onset of symptoms. We hope this information proves helpful.