Heart artery blockages, also called coronary artery disease, happen when the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked. This is usually caused by a buildup of cholesterol-containing plaque and inflammation. When blood flow to the heart is restricted, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
Recognizing the early signs of a blockage is crucial because early treatment can prevent severe complications.
One of the most common warning signs is chest pain, also known as angina. People describe this pain as a feeling of tightness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest. It can also spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina often happens during physical activity or stress and usually improves with rest.
However, not all heart problems come with obvious symptoms. Some people experience a silent heart attack, meaning they don’t feel severe pain. This is more common in people with diabetes, as nerve damage from the disease can prevent them from feeling pain.
Another key warning sign is shortness of breath. When the heart isn’t getting enough blood, it struggles to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body. This can make even simple activities feel exhausting, and some people may feel breathless even when resting.
Unusual fatigue is another symptom to watch for, especially in women. If normal daily tasks suddenly feel more difficult and you feel unusually tired, it could be a sign that your heart is not getting enough blood.
Other symptoms that may indicate a blocked artery include:
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men, which can make diagnosis more difficult. Their symptoms are sometimes mistaken for less serious health issues.
Research shows that people who recognize symptoms early and seek medical help quickly have much better outcomes. A study in the American Journal of Cardiology found that early treatment reduces heart damage and improves recovery.
Preventing heart artery blockages involves managing risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and lack of exercise. Lifestyle changes such as:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
can significantly lower the risk of heart disease.
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, don’t ignore them. Seeking medical attention early can prevent life-threatening complications like a heart attack. Taking proactive steps toward heart health can make a huge difference in preventing and managing heart disease.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about A heart-healthy diet guide for seniors and results showing that Vegan diet may reverse heart disease naturally.
If you care about coffee, please read studies that drinking coffee this way can help prevent stroke, heart disease, and drink coffee after breakfast, not before, for better blood sugar control.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
