Coronary artery disease is usually characterized by chest pain or angina. When there is a partial blockage in the coronary arteries, chest pain becomes obvious. But if the arteries are blocked completely, it can lead to heart attack or myocardial infraction as well. Heart attacks are likely to cause permanent disability or damage to one’s heart muscle, and if left untreated for a considerable period of time, can be dangerous as well.

Palpitations are also very common amongst patients suffering from coronary heart disease. Heart palpitations are usually caused due to irregular or usually harder heartbeats than normal. However, it must be noted that heart palpitations must not be linked with coronary heart diseases every time. Palpitations are very common when one is tensed or afraid or when one has exercised. These are certain occasions where you need not worry. Nevertheless, you can always get yourself checked if the palpitations last longer than usual.

Heart failure is likely to occur with patients suffering from coronary heart disease. The heart tends to become very weak to properly pump blood throughout the body, thus causing fluid to develop in our lungs and making it very difficult for us to breathe. Heart failure can be further categorized into two types: acute heart failure (that happens suddenly) and chronic heart failure (that occurs gradually, over a considerable period of time).

Once the coronary arteries are narrowed, they fail to supply ample amount of oxygenated blood to the heart, and more so when the heart is being harder than usual. Initially, this restricted flow of blood might not cause the symptom of coronary artery disease to manifest. But when the fatty deposits tend to get accumulated in the coronary arteries for a considerable period of time, it causes coronary heart diseases.

Some of the common symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

§ Frequent Chest Pain: Chest pain or angina is very common in patients suffering from coronary artery disease. A feeling of pressure or severe tightness is experienced in the chest. This pain is usually triggered by physical or some mental stress. The pain is likely to subside after stopping the activity. Some people might as well experience this sharp pain in the arm, back or even in the abdomen.
§ Breathlessness: If the heart fails to pump ample amount of blood to satisfy the body’s basic needs, breathlessness is quite likely.
§ Heart attack: If the coronary artery is completely blocked, you might have a heart attack. The prominent symptoms of heart attack are pain in the arm or shoulder and breathlessness and perspiration. Women are more likely to experience these symptoms of heart attack than men and might as well suffer from jaw pain and/or back pain. However, heart attack might sometimes occur without showing any evident signs or symptoms.
§ Palpitations are also common.
§ Dizziness or light-headedness, followed by fainting.
§ Irregular heartbeat.
§ Exertion or weakness.

The symptoms of coronary artery disease are quite common and are easily identified as well. However, there are certain diagnostic processes involved in identifying the severity of the condition.