Early symptoms of coronary heart disease

Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
Updated on May 26, 2025
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The full name of coronary heart disease is also called coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. From its name, we can see the basis of coronary heart disease, which is due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries themselves, causing insufficient myocardial blood supply, and bringing about some symptoms. In the early stages, there may even be no symptoms. It is only when the narrowing of the coronary arteries reaches a certain degree, especially when it reaches 50%, or even more than 70%, that the patient may experience a series of symptoms. These symptoms include chest tightness and pain after activity, as well as radiating pain in other parts of the body, discomfort in the throat area, burning sensation behind the sternum, and even abdominal pain, among other symptoms. Additionally, some patients may also experience palpitations and discomfort in the precordial area, etc.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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Can people with coronary heart disease eat beef?

Patients with coronary heart disease can appropriately eat some beef in their daily life, as beef is rich in protein content and contains a variety of amino acids, which can provide sufficient nutrients to the human body. Also, its fat and cholesterol content are relatively low, so generally, it would not exacerbate the condition too much. However, the diet for coronary heart disease should generally be light, and it is recommended to balance meat with vegetables, focusing more on vegetables. Additionally, eating beef in the cold winter also has a stomach-warming effect, making it more suitable during that time. In contrast, it might not be suitable in the summer, especially for those with internal heat. Beef is more appropriate for individuals with qi deficiency, shortness of breath, weak body, aching muscles and bones, and those suffering from chronic anemia and dizziness. However, excessive consumption can still increase the burden on patients with coronary heart disease, so it is advised to consume in small amounts and not excessively.

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Written by Cai Li E
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Early symptoms of coronary heart disease

The early symptoms of coronary heart disease are episodic chest pain, meaning patients are asymptomatic while at rest or during daily activities. However, symptoms such as chest pain can occur under the influence of factors like physical labor, emotional stress such as anger, anxiety, excessive excitement, overeating, cold, smoking, etc. The location of the chest pain is primarily behind the sternum, with indistinct boundaries. It often radiates to the left shoulder, the inner side of the left arm reaching the ring and little fingers, or to the neck, throat, or lower jaw. The nature of the pain is compressive, stuffy or constrictive, and may also have a burning sensation, but not sharp like needle stings or knife cuts. Some patients may only feel chest discomfort, not pain. The chest pain generally lasts three to five minutes and does not exceed half an hour.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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What to do when coronary heart disease occurs suddenly?

Coronary heart disease is the abbreviation for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It refers to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary artery vessels due to arteriosclerotic lesions, causing myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis, leading to heart disease. Its attacks are often related to seasonal changes, emotional excitement, increased physical activity, overeating, heavy smoking, and drinking. When sudden coronary heart disease occurs, the first step is to eliminate these triggering factors, such as immediately calming down when emotionally agitated, or immediately resting in bed if active. Rest should be the priority. If resting and removing triggers do not relieve symptoms, sublingual administration of nitrate and rapid-action heart-saving pills can be used; generally, these medications can relieve symptoms. If relief is still not obtained, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly nearby. In cases of sudden unbearable pain, a sense of impending death, and intense pain despite taking rapid-action heart-saving pills, it is advised to call emergency services (dial 120) immediately to compete for time to prevent acute myocardial infarction, where emergency surgery might be available.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Can coronary heart disease be cured?

Coronary heart disease, when treated with effective medications, can achieve clinical symptom relief or disappearance, generally without the chance of a cure. This is because the onset mechanism of coronary heart disease is due to coronary artery atherosclerosis causing insufficient blood supply to the myocardium, leading to myocardial damage, and arteriosclerosis worsens with age. Patients with coronary heart disease should pay attention to adjusting their dietary structure, adopting a low-fat, low-salt diet. Under the guidance of a doctor, the regular and correct use of some medications that invigorate blood circulation, nourish the myocardium, and dilate coronary arteries can improve myocardial ischemia and achieve clinical symptom relief or disappearance.

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Cardiology
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Is premature beat related to coronary heart disease?

Firstly, there is no direct connection between coronary heart disease and premature contractions. If we must discuss whether ventricular premature beats are related to coronary heart disease, we should mainly consider patients with myocardial ischemia, especially those with active myocardial ischemia. In these cases, premature beats may be somewhat related to coronary heart disease, but these two conditions cannot be directly equated. Since the majority of premature contractions are unrelated to coronary heart disease, these two issues should not be confused or directly equated. It is common to see some elderly people with premature contractions on their ECGs and consider coronary heart disease, but this consideration is not entirely correct. Of course, the occurrence of real premature beats, especially frequent ventricular premature beats, also suggests the possibility of myocardial ischemia. However, a large number of people, even those with obvious real premature beats, do not have significant coronary insufficiency, thus there is no direct relationship between the two.