Arterial blockages in the heart, also called coronary artery disease (CAD), occur when the major blood vessels that supply the heart become damaged or clogged.
This usually happens because of cholesterol buildup—known as plaque—and inflammation inside the arteries.
CAD develops slowly over time and may not cause any symptoms at first. But as plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries and limits blood flow to the heart. If the arteries become too blocked, it can lead to a heart attack. This process is called atherosclerosis.
Recognizing the early signs of arterial blockage is very important. It can help prevent serious problems like heart attacks. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
Chest Pain (Angina) One of the most common signs of a blocked artery is chest pain or discomfort, known as angina. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest.
Sometimes, the discomfort spreads to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina often appears during physical or emotional stress and usually lasts just a few minutes. Any new or worsening chest pain should be checked by a doctor right away.
Shortness of Breath If the heart isn’t getting enough blood, it can struggle to pump efficiently. This can cause shortness of breath during physical activity or when lying down. People may also feel unusually tired. This symptom often becomes noticeable during exercise or other activities that increase the heart’s need for oxygen.
Heart Palpitations Clogged arteries make the heart work harder, which can lead to palpitations—feelings of a racing or fluttering heartbeat. This might feel like your heart is skipping beats or pounding in your chest.
Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain These symptoms can sometimes appear during a heart attack, especially in women. Because they resemble common stomach issues, they can easily be mistaken for less serious problems like acid reflux or the flu.
Fatigue Feeling unusually tired without a clear reason may be a warning sign of a heart problem. This type of fatigue can show up during everyday activities that never used to cause tiredness. It’s more common in women and can appear days or even weeks before a heart attack.
Sweating Breaking out in a cold sweat for no reason can be another sign of a heart attack, particularly when paired with chest pain or shortness of breath.
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Doctors use tests like stress tests, echocardiograms, and coronary angiography to detect blockages and decide on the best treatment.
Treatment depends on how severe the blockage is. It may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures such as angioplasty or heart surgery.
Preventing CAD is possible with healthy habits. Eating nutritious food, staying active, avoiding smoking, and going for regular check-ups can all help reduce the risk.
In short, knowing the warning signs of blocked arteries and acting quickly can save lives. By taking care of your heart and seeking regular medical advice, you can lower your risk of coronary artery disease and stay healthier for longer.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that Manganese can help clear arterial plaques and treat heart disease and Aspirin use linked to heart failure.
For more information about heart health, please read studies about the blood thinner drug that can prevent strokes in people with hidden heart issues and new guidelines on daily aspirin for heart attack and stroke prevention.
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