10 Causes of Heart Pain
Cause #1: Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) or ischemic heart disease (IHD) occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to blockage in the blood vessels. The blockage is most commonly due to the build-up of plaque. CAD is the commonest cardiovascular disease and can be divided into myocardial infarction, stable angina, and unstable angina. Patients with CAD often experience chest pain that radiates to the arm, back, neck, jaw, and shoulder. It can also be mistaken as heartburn as the sensation is often similar.
Symptoms usually appear when there is stress or exertion and improves with rest. Other associated symptoms include breathlessness and abnormal heartbeat. The risk of CAD is higher among those with hypertension, diabetics, smokers, obese individuals, and those with a sedentary lifestyle.
