Clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis, occur when fatty deposits (plaques) build up on the inner walls of the arteries, restricting blood flow and putting a person at risk for serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Below are 10 detailed warning signs of clogged arteries:
Chest Pain (Angina)
One of the most common and well-known signs of clogged arteries is chest pain, also known as angina. This pain is often described as a feeling of tightness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest.
It may occur during physical activity or stress, when your heart needs more oxygen than usual but can’t get it due to restricted blood flow.
Angina can also feel like indigestion, but the pain typically radiates to the shoulders, arms, neck, or back. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions like heart attacks.
Shortness of Breath
Clogged arteries can reduce the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching your heart and lungs, leading to shortness of breath, especially when engaging in physical activity.
This symptom occurs because the heart has to work harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries, and it often indicates that the heart is struggling to meet the body’s oxygen demands.
If you find yourself becoming breathless easily, even with mild exertion, it could be a sign of coronary artery disease.
Fatigue or Unusual Tiredness
If you’re feeling unusually fatigued or tired, especially after minimal effort, it could be a warning sign of clogged arteries.
When arteries are blocked, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which can make you feel tired and weak.
Fatigue that seems to have no clear cause, especially if it worsens over time, may indicate that your body is not receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs due to poor blood circulation.
Pain or Numbness in Extremities
Clogged arteries can also affect the blood vessels in your arms and legs, a condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).
You may experience pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in your legs, particularly when walking or climbing stairs.
The pain typically subsides with rest. In severe cases, your arms or legs may feel cool to the touch, and wounds or sores on the extremities may heal slowly due to poor blood flow.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
When arteries leading to the brain become clogged, it can result in reduced blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
You may feel faint or unsteady on your feet, especially when standing up quickly or after physical exertion.
This reduced blood flow can also cause confusion, difficulty concentrating, or in extreme cases, mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks) or strokes.
Cold Hands or Feet
If your extremities, particularly your hands and feet, often feel cold or appear to have a bluish tint, it could be due to poor circulation caused by blocked arteries.
When the arteries that supply blood to your limbs become narrowed, your hands and feet may not receive enough warm, oxygen-rich blood.
This symptom is often associated with peripheral artery disease, and in some cases, severe atherosclerosis may lead to numbness, tingling, or even tissue damage in these areas.
Difficulty with Physical Activity
If you find it increasingly difficult to perform physical activities that you once handled with ease, it could be a warning sign of clogged arteries.
Reduced blood flow to the heart and muscles means they aren’t getting enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
You may notice that you get tired more quickly during exercise or that simple tasks like walking up stairs leave you feeling winded or fatigued.
Swelling in Legs, Feet, or Ankles
Swelling, particularly in the lower extremities, may be a sign that your heart is struggling to pump blood effectively, which can happen when arteries are blocked.
This can cause fluid to build up in the legs, feet, or ankles, a condition known as edema. It occurs because when the heart’s pumping efficiency is compromised, blood and fluid can back up in the veins, leading to swelling.
Chronic swelling could indicate advanced heart disease or heart failure, which is often associated with clogged arteries.
Erectile Dysfunction
In men, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign of clogged arteries. The blood vessels that supply the pelvic region are smaller than the coronary arteries, so they may show signs of blockage before other areas of the body.
If you are experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, it could be due to reduced blood flow to the area, which may be caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. ED can often be a precursor to more serious cardiovascular issues.
Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat
Clogged arteries can place extra stress on the heart, causing it to beat irregularly or rapidly in an attempt to compensate for the lack of oxygen-rich blood.
You may feel your heart racing, pounding, or skipping beats, which are known as palpitations.
An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can be a serious sign that the heart is not receiving the proper blood supply due to clogged arteries. Over time, this can lead to heart failure or other severe complications if left untreated.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Early detection and treatment of clogged arteries can help prevent serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure.
Regular health check-ups, a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can also help manage or reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
