Arterial blockages in the heart, known as coronary artery disease (CAD), happen when the main blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become damaged or clogged.
This usually occurs due to a buildup of cholesterol-containing deposits, called plaque, and inflammation in the arteries.
These blockages can develop slowly over many years and may not show any signs at first. But as plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow to the heart. If the blockage gets too severe, it can lead to a heart attack. This process is called atherosclerosis.
One of the most common signs of a blockage is chest pain, also called angina. It often feels like pressure, squeezing, or pain in the middle of the chest. Sometimes, the pain spreads to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.
Angina usually happens during physical or emotional stress and goes away after a few minutes. Any new or worsening chest pain should be checked by a doctor right away.
Shortness of breath is another warning sign. If the heart can’t pump enough blood due to blocked arteries, a person may feel breathless during activities or even when lying down. This symptom is often linked with fatigue and happens because the body isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
Heart palpitations—feeling like your heart is racing or fluttering—can also be a sign of CAD. This happens when the heart works harder to push blood through narrow arteries.
Some people, especially women, may feel sick to their stomach, have indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain. These symptoms can be confusing because they may feel like the flu or acid reflux. But during a heart attack, these signs are important to recognize.
Fatigue is another clue. Feeling unusually tired without a clear reason—especially if it lasts several days or happens during normal activities—could signal a heart problem. This symptom is also more common in women and might show up weeks before a heart attack.
Sweating for no clear reason, especially a cold sweat, is another warning sign. It often happens along with other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath and can be a sign of a heart attack.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away. Doctors can use tests like stress tests, echocardiograms, and coronary angiograms to find out how blocked the arteries are and decide on the best treatment.
Treatments may include changes in lifestyle, medications, or procedures like angioplasty or heart surgery. To prevent or manage CAD, it’s important to eat healthy, stay active, quit smoking, and get regular check-ups.
Knowing the signs of arterial blockage and acting quickly can save lives.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about why light-to-moderate drinking is linked to better heart health and reconsidering the long-term use of high blood pressure beta blockers after a heart attack.
For more about heart health, please read studies about heart disease hidden and essential vitamins for heart health: a guide to a healthy heart.
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