Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. One common form is when the arteries that carry blood to the heart become blocked. This condition is called coronary artery disease.
It happens when the arteries are damaged or clogged with fatty substances, mainly cholesterol, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow. Inflammation in the blood vessels also adds to the problem.
The heart needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to work properly. When the arteries that feed the heart are blocked or narrowed, it can’t get enough oxygen. This puts a lot of strain on the heart and can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or even death. That’s why it’s important to notice early warning signs and act quickly.
One of the most common symptoms of blocked arteries is chest pain, often called angina. People describe this as a tightness, pressure, or squeezing feeling in the chest. Sometimes, this pain spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Angina usually happens during physical activity or emotional stress and tends to go away with rest. It’s a sign that the heart is struggling to get enough blood.
But not all heart problems come with clear warning signs. Some people have what’s called a “silent” heart attack. This means the heart is damaged, but the person doesn’t feel the typical pain. Silent heart attacks are more likely to happen in people with diabetes, because the disease can affect nerves and make pain less noticeable.
Shortness of breath is another strong sign that the heart might not be working well. If your heart can’t pump enough blood, you might feel breathless even after light activity—or even while resting. This is a sign the body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Feeling very tired, especially during everyday tasks that used to be easy, can also be a sign. This kind of fatigue is often overlooked, especially by women, who might think it’s just stress or aging. But in some cases, it could be a clue that the heart isn’t getting enough blood because of blocked arteries.
Other symptoms to watch out for include nausea, a fluttering feeling in the chest (called palpitations), and dizziness. These signs can be misleading because they are also linked to many other conditions. But they are more common in women with heart problems and should not be ignored.
Doctors and researchers stress the importance of acting quickly. A study in the American Journal of Cardiology showed that people who noticed symptoms early and got medical help right away were more likely to recover well. That’s because the sooner a blocked artery is treated, the less damage there is to the heart.
There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of getting coronary artery disease in the first place. Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels, not smoking, managing diabetes, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight all make a big difference. Eating a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is also important.
In short, heart disease often gives warning signs, and paying attention to them can save lives. If you or someone close to you feels chest pain, breathlessness, extreme fatigue, or other unusual symptoms, don’t wait—talk to a doctor right away.
The earlier a problem is found, the easier it is to treat. Taking care of your health every day through good habits is the best way to keep your heart strong.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
