Blocked arteries in the heart, known as coronary artery disease, happen when the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart become narrowed or damaged.
This usually occurs because of a slow buildup of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and inflammation inside the artery walls. Over time, these deposits form plaque, which reduces blood flow to the heart and raises the risk of a heart attack.
This condition often develops quietly over many years. In the early stages, a person may feel completely normal and have no clear symptoms. As plaque continues to grow, the arteries become narrower and stiffer.
When the heart needs more oxygen, such as during exercise or stress, the reduced blood flow can cause symptoms. If a blockage becomes severe or sudden, it can stop blood flow entirely and lead to a heart attack.
One of the most common warning signs is chest pain, also called angina. People often describe this pain as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest. It may feel like something heavy is sitting on the chest.
The pain can spread to other areas, including the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina often appears during physical activity or emotional stress and usually fades after rest. Any new chest pain or pain that suddenly worsens should be checked by a doctor immediately.
Shortness of breath is another important sign. When arteries are blocked, the heart may struggle to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can make breathing feel difficult even during simple activities. Some people notice breathlessness while walking, climbing stairs, or lying down. This symptom often appears together with unusual tiredness.
Heart palpitations can also occur. A person may feel that their heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding. This can happen because the heart is working harder to push blood through narrowed vessels. While palpitations can have many causes, they should not be ignored when combined with other symptoms.
Some people experience symptoms that do not seem related to the heart at first. These may include nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach discomfort. Such symptoms are more common in women during a heart attack and can easily be mistaken for digestive problems. Because of this, women sometimes delay seeking medical help.
Extreme or unusual fatigue is another warning sign. This tiredness may appear suddenly or develop over time. Everyday tasks that were once easy may feel exhausting. Research shows that some people, especially women, experience severe fatigue weeks before a heart attack.
Breaking out in a cold sweat without a clear reason can also signal a serious problem. This often happens along with chest discomfort or shortness of breath. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy may occur as well.
If any of these symptoms appear, it is important to seek medical care right away. Doctors can use tests such as stress tests, heart scans, or imaging of the coronary arteries to check for blockages. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures to restore blood flow, depending on the severity.
The encouraging news is that coronary artery disease can often be prevented or controlled. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, not smoking, managing stress, and routine health checkups all help protect the heart. Recognizing early warning signs and acting quickly can save lives and improve long-term health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
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