Heart arteries can get blocked when fatty deposits called plaques build up inside them. This condition, known as coronary artery disease, reduces blood flow to the heart and can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
Understanding the warning signs of blocked arteries is important because early detection can help prevent life-threatening conditions. Many people don’t realize they have a problem until it becomes severe. Knowing what to look out for could save lives.
The heart needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to keep working. Coronary arteries are responsible for delivering this blood. If these arteries become too narrow or blocked, the heart struggles to pump blood, which can cause different symptoms.
One of the most common signs of artery blockages is chest pain, also known as angina. People describe it as a feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. Sometimes, the pain spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It usually happens during physical activity or stress and goes away with rest.
However, not all heart problems cause clear symptoms. Some people have a “silent” heart attack, meaning they don’t feel strong pain or warning signs. This is more common in people with diabetes because their nerve damage can make them less sensitive to pain.
Another major symptom is shortness of breath. When the heart doesn’t get enough blood, it struggles to pump oxygen to the rest of the body. This can make simple activities, like climbing stairs or walking short distances, feel exhausting. Some people even feel breathless while resting.
Unusual fatigue is another warning sign, especially in women. If you find that daily activities, like grocery shopping or household chores, suddenly make you feel extremely tired, it could mean your heart isn’t getting enough blood.
Other symptoms that may not seem connected to the heart but could be warning signs include nausea, dizziness, and heart palpitations (a fast or irregular heartbeat). These symptoms are more common in women and can sometimes be mistaken for other health problems.
Studies have shown that people who recognize these symptoms early and seek medical help have much better chances of avoiding serious heart damage.
A study in the American Journal of Cardiology found that those who acted quickly after noticing symptoms had better health outcomes than those who delayed getting treatment. This is because the longer the heart is deprived of oxygen, the more damage it suffers.
Preventing heart artery blockages starts with managing risk factors. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and lack of exercise all increase the risk of heart disease. Simple lifestyle changes—like eating healthy, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight—can make a big difference.
In short, recognizing the signs of blocked arteries and taking action early can prevent serious heart problems. If you or someone you know experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
The sooner a problem is detected, the better the chances of avoiding a heart attack and staying healthy.
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