Clogged arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, occur when fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the walls of arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.
This condition can affect various parts of the body, leading to serious health complications, including heart disease, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
Here are 10 detailed signs that could indicate you’re living with clogged arteries:
Chest Pain (Angina)
One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of clogged arteries is chest pain, also known as angina.
This discomfort occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced due to blockages in the coronary arteries.
The pain is often described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest, and it can feel like someone is pressing down hard on your chest.
The pain may radiate to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina is usually triggered by physical activity, stress, or even after eating and can subside with rest.
However, persistent or severe chest pain may signal a more serious problem, such as a heart attack.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can be a sign of clogged arteries, especially when the coronary arteries are affected.
When the arteries that supply blood to the heart are narrowed, the heart struggles to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s needs.
As a result, you may feel breathless, particularly during physical activity or exertion. In some cases, shortness of breath may occur even at rest, and this can be an early indicator of heart failure.
If you notice you’re becoming breathless more easily than before, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider.
Fatigue
Constant or excessive fatigue can be a subtle but significant symptom of clogged arteries. When arteries are blocked, your heart has to work much harder to pump blood, causing a reduction in oxygen supply to your muscles and tissues.
This results in feelings of exhaustion or weakness, even after light activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
Fatigue may also be an indicator that your heart isn’t getting enough blood due to blocked coronary arteries, which could lead to heart disease or heart failure over time.
Pain in Legs or Arms
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, particularly the legs, become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup.
One of the main symptoms of PAD is pain or cramping in the legs, hips, or buttocks, especially during walking or exercise.
This pain, known as claudication, typically goes away with rest but returns when you exert yourself again.
It can also affect the arms if the arteries there are blocked. Over time, PAD can lead to muscle atrophy, difficulty walking, and even limb loss if not properly treated.
Weak or Numb Limbs
Reduced blood flow due to clogged arteries can cause weakness or numbness in your limbs, particularly in your legs and feet.
You might experience a cold or tingling sensation, or your legs may feel weak or heavy after standing or walking for a while.
In severe cases, you may even develop sores or wounds on your feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all.
These symptoms are particularly concerning because they indicate that the blood flow to your limbs is significantly impaired, which increases the risk of infections, gangrene, and other complications.
Heart Palpitations
Irregular heartbeats, or palpitations, can be a sign that your heart is struggling to keep up with the demands of pumping blood through narrowed or blocked arteries.
You might notice a fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation in your chest. Palpitations may occur during exercise, at rest, or after meals.
If your heart is unable to get enough oxygen due to clogged arteries, it can lead to arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), which can be dangerous and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Erectile Dysfunction
In men, clogged arteries can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). This happens when plaque buildup restricts blood flow to the arteries in the penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
ED can often be an early sign of cardiovascular disease, as the same process that clogs the arteries in the heart can affect smaller arteries in other parts of the body.
Men experiencing ED should consider it a possible red flag for heart health and consult a doctor for a thorough cardiovascular evaluation.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Clogged arteries can reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your brain, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness, especially during exertion.
This may also be accompanied by fainting spells or a feeling of unsteadiness. Dizziness can occur when there is a significant blockage in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
If you experience frequent dizziness or fainting, it’s important to seek medical attention, as this could be a sign of an impending stroke or other serious health conditions.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is both a cause and a symptom of clogged arteries. As arteries become narrower and stiffer due to plaque buildup, your heart has to pump harder to push blood through the restricted pathways, which raises blood pressure.
Over time, high blood pressure can damage the walls of your arteries, making it easier for plaque to build up and narrowing the arteries further.
This vicious cycle can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Regular monitoring and control of blood pressure are essential to prevent further damage to your arteries.
Swelling in Lower Extremities
Clogged arteries can also lead to poor circulation and fluid retention, particularly in the lower extremities, such as the legs, ankles, and feet.
This swelling, known as edema, occurs when blood flow is restricted, and fluid builds up in the tissues.
It may cause your legs or feet to feel heavy or tight, and in some cases, the skin may become shiny or stretched.
Swelling in the lower extremities is often a sign of heart failure or peripheral artery disease, both of which can result from clogged arteries.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Clogged arteries can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions, but early detection and treatment can help prevent severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
