Clogged arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, happen when plaque builds up inside the arteries, which are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
Plaque is made of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in the blood.
Over time, this buildup narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of serious health issues, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Clogged arteries can develop slowly, and people often don’t notice symptoms until the arteries are severely blocked. Understanding the symptoms of clogged arteries can help with early detection and timely medical care.
One of the most common signs of clogged arteries in the heart is chest pain, known as angina. Angina feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest and can sometimes be mistaken for heartburn or indigestion.
Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that angina is often triggered by physical activity or stress, as both increase the heart’s need for oxygen. When arteries are clogged, the heart may not get enough blood during exertion, causing pain.
This discomfort often goes away with rest, but it’s a warning sign that should never be ignored. In some cases, angina pain can spread to other areas, including the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back, making it essential to seek medical advice if these symptoms appear.
Shortness of breath is another symptom that may indicate clogged arteries. When blood flow to the heart is restricted, the heart can’t pump effectively, leading to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream.
This makes even simple tasks like walking up stairs or carrying groceries feel more strenuous. Studies have shown that people with atherosclerosis often feel out of breath or fatigued more quickly than usual.
Shortness of breath is a common symptom in older adults or people with a history of heart disease, but anyone experiencing unexplained breathlessness should consider it a potential warning sign and talk to a healthcare provider.
Some people may experience symptoms in other parts of the body. For instance, clogged arteries in the legs can cause a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD).
The main symptom of PAD is leg pain, particularly when walking or exercising, a condition known as claudication. The pain occurs because the muscles aren’t getting enough blood and oxygen during activity.
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with PAD might also feel leg weakness or numbness, and they may notice slower wound healing in the legs or feet due to poor blood circulation.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) in men can sometimes be an early sign of clogged arteries. Since ED can result from reduced blood flow to the reproductive organs, it may serve as a warning that the blood vessels are narrowing in other areas, like the heart.
A study in Circulation, a journal by the American Heart Association, found that men with ED are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, suggesting that ED could indicate underlying artery blockages.
Less commonly known symptoms of clogged arteries include jaw pain, fatigue, and sweating, especially during physical activities. These symptoms may seem unrelated to heart health but can signal restricted blood flow.
Fatigue, for instance, can occur because the heart is working harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries. Jaw pain or sweating may also accompany angina, especially in women, who often experience less typical symptoms of clogged arteries.
Research from the National Institutes of Health has found that women are more likely than men to experience fatigue, nausea, or jaw and neck pain as a sign of heart issues, which may delay diagnosis if these symptoms are overlooked.
Unfortunately, clogged arteries may not always show clear symptoms until a significant blockage has occurred, putting a person at high risk for heart attacks or strokes.
Regular check-ups and tests, such as cholesterol screening, blood pressure checks, and lifestyle assessments, can help assess your risk. Doctors may also use imaging tests like angiograms or ultrasounds to detect the presence of plaque in the arteries.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, high-fat diets, and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of plaque buildup. Quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and staying active are all proven ways to reduce the likelihood of developing clogged arteries.
Studies show that even modest lifestyle changes, like walking daily or reducing saturated fat intake, can slow the progression of plaque buildup and improve heart health.
Clogged arteries are a serious health concern, and understanding the symptoms can be a lifesaver. Recognizing signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, and even unexplained fatigue can prompt timely medical intervention.
Early detection, combined with healthy lifestyle choices, can help keep arteries clear and reduce the risk of complications.
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, reaching out to a healthcare provider can help you understand your heart health and take steps to protect it.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and Yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that Vitamin D deficiency can increase heart disease risk, and results showing Zinc and vitamin B6 linked to lower death risk in heart disease.
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