What is a common symptom experienced during physical exertion in patients with CAD?

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), chest pain, often referred to as angina, is a common symptom experienced during physical exertion. This pain typically arises due to the myocardial oxygen demand exceeding the blood supply, often occurring when the heart is under stress, such as during exercise. The underlying pathophysiology involves the narrowing of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, which limits blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. When patients engage in physical activities that increase their heart rate and workload, they may experience chest discomfort or pain as a result of this imbalance between oxygen demand and supply.

While dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea can also occur in some patients with CAD during exertion, chest pain is more characteristic and a classic symptom of the condition, making it a hallmark sign warranting further evaluation.