Artery blockages in the heart, also called coronary artery disease, happen when the blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the heart become narrow or blocked.
This is usually caused by a buildup of fat and cholesterol, known as plaque, along with inflammation. These blockages can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, so it’s important to know the warning signs.
Coronary artery disease develops slowly over many years. At first, a person might not notice any symptoms. But as the plaque builds up, the arteries get narrower, and it becomes harder for blood to flow. When the arteries are too blocked, it can lead to a heart attack.
One common sign of blocked arteries is chest pain, also called angina. People often describe it as pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest. It can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
This pain usually happens during stress or physical activity and goes away after a few minutes of rest. Doctors say that any new chest pain or worsening pain should be checked by a doctor right away.
Another symptom is shortness of breath. If the heart isn’t getting enough blood, it can’t pump well, and a person might feel out of breath, especially when moving around or lying down. This may be a sign that the heart is struggling to keep up.
Some people feel heart palpitations—like their heart is fluttering or pounding. This can happen when the heart is working harder to push blood through narrowed arteries.
Stomach problems like nausea, indigestion, or stomach pain can also be signs of heart trouble. These symptoms are more common in women. Sometimes people think these symptoms are caused by the flu or a stomach issue, but they can be warning signs of a heart attack.
Feeling very tired without a clear reason can also be a sign. This kind of tiredness can last for days or happen during simple activities that normally wouldn’t cause fatigue. It is also more common in women and may show up weeks before a heart attack.
Another warning sign is cold sweats. If someone starts sweating a lot without being hot or active, especially if they also feel chest pain or shortness of breath, it could mean something is wrong with the heart.
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Tests like heart stress tests, ultrasounds, and angiograms can help doctors find out how bad the blockage is and decide the best treatment.
Treatment can include lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, and quitting smoking. Some people might need medicine, and others might need procedures to open up or bypass the blocked arteries.
In short, knowing the signs of heart artery blockages can help people get help early and avoid serious health problems. Living a healthy life and seeing your doctor regularly are key steps to keeping your heart strong.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and scientists find how COVID-19 damages the heart.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Aspirin linked to higher risk of heart failure, and results showing Blackcurrants could improve artery functions, blood pressure in older people.
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