Chest pain that worsens with exertion can indicate which cardiovascular issue?

Chest pain that worsens with exertion is a classic sign of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). This condition is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. During physical exertion, the heart requires increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to meet heightened metabolic demands. When the coronary arteries are narrowed due to atherosclerosis or other factors, they may not be able to deliver sufficient blood under these increased demands, leading to ischemia or angina, which presents as chest pain.

In cases of CAD, the pain may also radiate to other areas, such as the arms, neck, or jaw, and is often relieved by rest or the use of nitroglycerin. This pattern helps differentiate angina associated with CAD from other types of chest pain.

While heart failure, arrhythmias, and myocarditis can lead to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, they often present with different characteristics and do not typically exhibit a direct correlation between exertion and pain intensity, making them less likely to be the primary cause described in the question.