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.