What are the early symptoms and manifestations of coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a heart condition caused by insufficient blood supply from the coronary arteries. Its early symptoms and manifestations include:

1. Chest pain or discomfort: Patients may feel pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest, which may last for several minutes and may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw.

2. Shortness of breath and chest tightness: These may occur during physical activity or emotional excitement. Breathlessness and palpitations may result from increased oxygen demand by the heart muscle.

3. Fatigue: Particularly common in female patients, unexplained extreme fatigue may occur as a response of the body when the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

4. Nausea or indigestion: Symptoms such as stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting may appear.

5. Palpitations: Irregular heartbeat, which may be too fast, too slow, or irregular.

6. Dizziness or fainting: Reduced cardiac output can impair pulmonary circulation and cause breathlessness. Accumulation of metabolic byproducts in the heart muscle may stimulate peripheral nerves, causing chest pain that may radiate to the left shoulder or left arm, and may subside after rest. In severe cases, reduced cerebral perfusion may lead to fainting.

7. Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially during episodes of chest pain, may also be an early sign of coronary artery disease.

Symptoms may become more pronounced during physical exertion, mental stress, cold exposure, after a heavy meal, or in crowded places. If these symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are necessary.