Clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis, occur when sticky substances like cholesterol, fat, and calcium build up inside your arteries. These blood vessels are essential for carrying oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
As plaque builds up over time, it causes the arteries to become narrow and stiff, making it harder for blood to flow freely. This increases your risk of serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.
The trouble is, clogged arteries often develop slowly and silently. Many people don’t notice anything is wrong until the blockage becomes severe. That’s why knowing the early warning signs can make a big difference—it can even save your life.
One of the most common signs of clogged arteries in the heart is chest pain, also called angina. This pain might feel like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in your chest. Some people mistake it for heartburn or indigestion.
But angina usually happens when you’re physically active or under stress, because your heart needs more oxygen. If your arteries are blocked, your heart can’t get enough blood, and that leads to pain. This pain may spread to your arms, neck, jaw, back, or shoulders. If it goes away with rest, it’s still a red flag. Don’t ignore it—get it checked.
Shortness of breath is another symptom that could signal trouble. If you find yourself feeling out of breath while doing everyday tasks—like walking up stairs or carrying groceries—your heart might not be pumping efficiently due to clogged arteries.
This happens when blood and oxygen can’t reach your muscles and organs fast enough. Even though shortness of breath is common in older adults or people with other health issues, unexplained breathlessness should always be taken seriously.
Clogged arteries don’t just affect the heart. If arteries in your legs are narrowed, you might develop peripheral artery disease (PAD). A telltale sign is leg pain when you walk or exercise.
This pain, called claudication, happens because your leg muscles aren’t getting enough oxygen during activity. People with PAD may also notice leg weakness, numbness, or slow-healing sores on their feet and toes due to poor circulation.
In men, erectile dysfunction (ED) can sometimes be a warning sign. ED happens when blood flow to the reproductive organs is reduced, and that can be a clue that blood vessels elsewhere—like those in the heart—are also narrowed. Research has shown that men with ED have a higher risk of developing heart disease.
Some symptoms might seem unrelated to the heart but could still be signs of blocked arteries. These include fatigue, jaw pain, sweating, and even nausea—especially during physical activity.
These symptoms are more common in women, who often experience less obvious signs of heart trouble. Studies show women are more likely than men to report fatigue or jaw and neck pain as early signs of heart disease, which can lead to delays in diagnosis.
Unfortunately, many people won’t experience noticeable symptoms until their arteries are seriously blocked. That’s why regular check-ups are important.
Simple tests like cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, and lifestyle reviews can help you understand your risk. If needed, doctors may recommend imaging tests like ultrasounds or angiograms to look for plaque buildup.
You can reduce your risk of clogged arteries by making healthy lifestyle choices. Smoking, eating a diet high in saturated fats, and being inactive all increase the risk of plaque buildup.
But small changes can help—like walking daily, eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on fatty foods. Even modest improvements can slow the buildup of plaque and protect your heart.
Clogged arteries are serious, but they’re also manageable with early detection and smart lifestyle changes. Knowing the symptoms—like chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, or unexplained fatigue—can help you catch the problem early.
And if you or someone you love notices any of these signs, don’t wait. Talk to a doctor. It could be the first step to protecting your heart and living a longer, healthier life.
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