The headline “10 Indicators of Blocked Arteries You Shouldn’t Ignore” contains an important message—blocked arteries can cause serious health problems—but the exact list varies, and many people have no symptoms until a blockage becomes severe.
Common warning signs include:
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
- Often occurs with physical activity or emotional stress and improves with rest.
- Shortness of breath
- May occur if the heart isn’t getting enough blood.
- Pain that spreads
- Discomfort may radiate to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back.
- Pain in the legs while walking (claudication)
- Cramping or aching in the calves, thighs, or buttocks that improves with rest can suggest peripheral artery disease.
- Cold or numb feet or legs
- Reduced blood flow can make one leg or foot feel colder than the other.
- Slow-healing sores on the feet or legs
- Poor circulation can delay wound healing.
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
- These can be signs of a stroke caused by reduced blood flow to the brain and require emergency care.
- Dizziness or fainting
- Can have many causes, including heart or circulation problems.
- Fatigue with activity
- Unusual tiredness during exertion may be a symptom of heart disease in some people.
- Erectile dysfunction
- In some men, it can be an early sign of blood vessel disease, though there are many possible causes.
Important
Many people with blocked arteries have no symptoms until they develop a heart attack, stroke, or severe peripheral artery disease. Risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
Seek emergency care immediately if you have:
- Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes or recurring
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
- Sudden vision loss
These symptoms may indicate a heart attack or stroke, where prompt treatment can be lifesaving.
If you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, regular checkups and management of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and smoking cessation are among the most effective ways to reduce your risk.
