Final answer:
The most common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) is chest pain or discomfort, which is known as angina pectoris. This pain may radiate to other areas of the upper body and is often triggered by exercise or stress. In severe cases, CAD can lead to a heart attack.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease, is characterized by the reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle primarily due to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. The most common symptom associated with CAD is chest pain or discomfort, clinically referred to as angina pectoris. This pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw, and is typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. Patients may also experience shortness of breath, and in more severe cases, CAD can lead to a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.
Persistent or acute chest pain should always prompt immediate medical evaluation, as it can indicate a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. It is worth noting that some individuals with CAD may remain asymptomatic until the disease progresses. Therefore, regular health check-ups and monitoring risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, are important for early detection and management of CAD.