Clogged arteries, also called atherosclerosis, happen when a sticky substance known as plaque builds up inside the arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain and the rest of the body.
This blood flow is essential because every organ needs oxygen and nutrients to work properly. When plaque collects inside the artery walls, the space for blood to pass through becomes narrower, making it harder for the body to get the oxygen it needs.
Plaque is made from cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances that travel in the blood. Over many years, these materials slowly stick to the artery walls and form hard layers.
This process often begins quietly in middle age or even earlier, especially in people with risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, or lack of exercise. Because the buildup happens slowly, most people do not notice any symptoms at first.
One of the most well-known warning signs is chest pain, also called angina. This pain can feel like pressure, tightness, burning, or squeezing in the chest. It often appears when a person is physically active, walking fast, climbing stairs, or feeling stressed.
During these times, the heart needs more oxygen, but narrowed arteries cannot deliver enough blood. The pain may ease when the person rests, but it should always be taken seriously because it signals that the heart is under strain.
Chest discomfort does not always stay in one place. It can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Some people describe it as a heavy feeling rather than sharp pain. If this happens, medical advice should be sought as soon as possible, because it may be a sign that a heart attack could occur in the future.
Another important symptom is shortness of breath. When the heart cannot pump enough blood due to narrowed arteries, less oxygen reaches the lungs and the rest of the body.
Activities that used to feel easy, such as walking around the house or doing light chores, may suddenly become tiring. People may feel unusually breathless or exhausted after mild activity. This change should not be ignored, even if it seems small at first.
Clogged arteries can also affect blood flow to the legs. This condition is called peripheral artery disease. The most common symptom is leg pain or cramping when walking, which goes away after resting.
This happens because the leg muscles are not receiving enough oxygen during movement. Some people also notice numbness, weakness, or coldness in the lower legs and feet. Cuts or sores on the feet may heal slowly because poor circulation makes it harder for the body to repair itself.
In men, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early sign of blocked arteries. Healthy blood flow is necessary for normal function, and reduced circulation may cause problems before heart symptoms appear. Doctors often consider this a warning sign that blood vessels in other parts of the body may also be affected.
Some symptoms may seem unrelated to heart problems. People may feel extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, or pain in the jaw or neck. Women are more likely than men to experience these less typical signs instead of strong chest pain. Because these symptoms are easy to overlook, many women are diagnosed later, which can delay treatment.
Many people do not discover they have clogged arteries until a serious event such as a heart attack or stroke happens. This is why regular health checkups are very important. Doctors can measure blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar to estimate risk. In some cases, special scans can show whether plaque is already forming inside the arteries.
Lifestyle plays a major role in preventing artery blockage. Smoking damages blood vessels, unhealthy diets raise cholesterol, and lack of exercise weakens the heart. The good news is that positive changes can protect the arteries.
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts can improve heart health. Regular physical activity, such as walking for half an hour most days, helps keep blood flowing smoothly. Quitting smoking and managing stress also make a big difference.
Clogged arteries are a serious but often silent threat. The body usually sends small warning signs long before a life-threatening event occurs.
Paying attention to chest discomfort, breathlessness, leg pain, unusual fatigue, or other unexplained symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and treatment. With timely medical care and healthy daily habits, it is possible to protect your arteries and keep your heart strong for many years.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top 10 foods for a healthy heart, and how to eat right for heart rhythm disorders.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to cleaner arteries, and salt and heart health: does less really mean more?
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