Coronary Heart Disease: Signs, Symptoms and Management
Explore the signs, symptoms, and management options for coronary heart disease, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and effective treatments to improve heart health and prevent complications.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) occurs due to the occlusion of coronary arteries, leading to ischemia (reduced blood supply) to the heart. This leads to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the heart. It usually occurs due to the deposition of lipids and their buildup, which leads to the formation of plaque within the arteries (atherosclerosis). Eventually, complications could arise, such as chest pains, heart attack, or heart failure.
CHD is one of the primary diseases in the world, affecting millions. There are a few reasons that lead to this condition. Primary risk factors include lifestyle reasons, such as smoking, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and obesity. These can be worsened further by hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes in the risk elevation. There are also non-modifiable factors, which include increasing years of age, family history of coronary heart diseases, and chronic stress.
Being aware of these risks is the first step in preventing coronary heart disease.
Recognising Symptoms
Recognising the symptoms of coronary heart disease in time would allow for timely resolution. Some of the common symptoms of coronary heart disease include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Feeling faint or unexplained sick feelings
Any of these symptoms, especially when occurring together, require immediate attention and further evaluation.
Consult Top Doctors For Heart Disease
Risk Factors Leading to Symptoms
The development of symptoms in CHD is closely linked to specific risk factors. Certain lifestyle risk factors contribute significantly to symptoms of the disease.
- Smoking is responsible for damaging the arteries and hastening plaque accretion-often this results in chest pains and other symptoms related to angina.
- Poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and obesity all take a toll on the heart, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and related symptoms.
- A family history of heart disease also raises the chances of the disease developing.
- Age tends to bear a part as the risk increases with age.
Such non-modifiable risks are an indication of regular health assessments and early preventive measures.
Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease
In order to diagnose a patient with coronary heart disease, a review of the medical history along with a physical examination is conducted first. Doctors will ask questions about the patient's symptoms, lifestyle habits, and family history to identify the underlying risk factors. Physical examination can include checks for hypertension, arrhythmias, and other signs of myocardial dysfunction.
To make these diagnoses more precise and confirmatory, diagnostic tests and procedures are performed. Various tests are used, including an electrocardiogram, to detect electrical conduction through the heart and other abnormalities. By inducing physical stress or through examination by means of X-rays and dye, they ascertain how well the heart functions under these conditions and if any of the myocardial blood vessels have blockages.
The results of these tests provide valuable information to guide the management plan for the individual.
Complications Associated with Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD), when untreated, can seriously threaten health and diminish the overall quality of life.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the complete blood supply to the heart is interrupted, usually due to a rupture in the insoluble plaque lining coronary arteries. The muscle of the heart becomes oxygen-deprived after the sudden event, damaging the tissue. The warning signs of a heart attack include severe pain in the chest area, breathlessness, nausea, and cold sweat. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent further damage and, in some instances, promote survival.
Heart Failure
Over time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. This is a condition where the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to the body. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling of the legs, and breathlessness, particularly when lying down. Heart failure requires daily management to stop its deterioration and enhance quality of life.
Treatment Options
Treatment of CHD requires some lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions. Majorly heart-healthy lifestyle changes are essential in preventing and managing CHD. Among them are:
- A balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins
- Restricted intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fat
- Regular physical activities like brisk walking or exercise
- Smoking cessation
- Stress reduction in reducing strain on the heart
In addition, various medications are often given to deal with symptoms and prevent complications associated with CHD. Statins, beta-blockers, and aspirin are commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol, ease heart strain, and prevent blood clots. In more serious cases, surgery, such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), may be used to restore heart blood flow.
Such treatments are not intended to cure the disease but to relieve symptoms, thus minimising the likelihood of a life-threatening event.
Living with Coronary Heart Disease
Living with heart disease can pose challenges, yet following some coping strategies may lessen the burden. To build a routine from the ground up, it is essential to exercise regularly, follow a heart-healthy diet, and engage in stress-relief activities like yoga or meditation. Support groups are a motivating tool that can emotionally support the distressed.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are required to monitor the condition and adjust treatments accordingly. Regular examinations, like monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels, will ensure that the factors are kept in check. Early detection of any change will allow timely intervention, avoiding complications and improving access to adequate outcome management.
Prevention and Lifestyle Changes
A balanced diet is a mainstay among all preventive measures for heart disease. An individual showcasing CHD symptoms should focus on eating normal portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and oil. Processed foods, salt, sugar, and saturated fat should be avoided as much as possible, as these contain cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Physical activity is also a crucial preventive measure. A minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic intensity, brisk walking, and cycling events represent adequate time spent on physical activity. For added benefit, individuals can also take part in strength training exercises at least twice a week.
Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for CHD and should not be overlooked. Smoking cessation very markedly lowers the risk of developing heart diseases, even for long-term smokers. Alcohol may contribute to hypertension and whatnot if excessively high amounts are consumed. Therefore, take part in these activities in moderation.
Conclusion
Coronary heart disease is a pervasive ailment that is chronic, progressive, and life-threatening, stemming from the restriction of blood supply to the heart by plaque in the arteries. Symptoms such as pain in the chest, short breath, and fatigue sound the alarm. Untimely diagnosis of the disease can lead to some further complications: a heart attack and heart failure. Therefore, understanding the basic signs and symptoms is essential for early intervention.
Recognising the symptoms of CHD with the greatest certainty and obtaining urgent treatment can save a life. Medical guidance can help in better handling symptoms and preventing serious complications. With a heart-friendly lifestyle and routine check-ups, one can safeguard his/her heart health and live a longer, happier life
Consult Top Cardiologist
Consult Top Doctors For Heart Disease
Dr. S B Bhattacharyya
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Consult Top Cardiologist
Dr. S B Bhattacharyya
Cardiologist
22 Years • MBBS, MD(General Medicine),DM (Cardiology)
Kolkata
Gariaheart Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Jayarajah Mariappan
Cardiologist
45 Years • MBBS, MD(GEN MEDICINE), DM(CARDIOLOGY)
Chennai
Sooriya Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Amit. A. Bharadiya
Cardiologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB Cardiology, FSCAI
Maharashtra
Surabhi Hospital, Maharashtra, Maharashtra
Dr. Sumanta Chatterjee
Cardiologist
12 Years • MBBS,MD General Medicine,DM Cardiology
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. M Sudhakar Rao
Cardiologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Cardiology
Bengaluru
UMC, Kormangla, Bengaluru
