When a person has coronary artery disease, the blood supply to their heart is reduced. This starves the heart of vital oxygen and blood.
Symptoms of coronary artery disease can include:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Weakness
- Chest/jaw/arm pain (angina)
This often happens during exertion. If the artery is blocked totally or for a long time, this can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Not everyone at risk for a heart attack has coronary artery disease symptoms before it happens. A heart attack can be the first sign of coronary artery disease. People with chronic coronary artery disease or heart attacks can progress to heart failure. Coronary artery disease is a major cause of death.
IMPORTANT: Chest pain or discomfort not relieved by rest or medications and lasting longer than 5 minutes may be a heart attack or unstable angina: call 911 to get emergency medical treatment.
