What are the symptoms of the early stage of coronary heart disease?
Disease description:
Grandma felt unwell and went for a medical checkup, where she was diagnosed with coronary heart disease, and it was already quite severe. We're wondering why it wasn't detected earlier. What are the early symptoms of coronary heart disease?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, is a cardiac condition caused by insufficient blood supply from the coronary arteries, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Common early symptoms include:
1. Chest tightness: Patients may experience mild chest tightness during physical exertion or emotional excitement. This occurs because stenosis or occlusion of the coronary arteries affects normal oxygen supply to the myocardium.
2. Shortness of breath: When cardiac blood supply is inadequate, myocardial oxygen consumption increases, potentially leading to insufficient oxygen and energy supply, manifesting as dyspnea and palpitations.
3. Difficulty breathing: CHD may cause a decrease in cardiac output, subsequently affecting pulmonary circulation and causing systemic hypoxia and dyspnea.
4. Angina pectoris: This is the most common early warning sign, characterized by paroxysmal chest pain, pressure, or discomfort behind the sternum or in the precordial region. The pain may sometimes radiate to the left shoulder, inner left arm, neck, or jaw.
5. Fatigue: Particularly in female patients, unusual fatigue and reduced physical stamina may occur, which could be a manifestation of myocardial ischemia.
