Blocked arteries (often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of cholesterol-containing plaque inside blood vessels) can develop slowly and may not cause symptoms until blood flow is significantly reduced. The signs depend on which arteries are affected—heart, brain, legs, or other areas.
10 possible warning signs of blocked arteries
- Chest pressure, tightness, or pain
- A squeezing or heavy feeling in the chest, especially during activity or stress, can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling unusually breathless during normal activities may occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygen.
- Pain spreading to other areas
- Heart-related discomfort may spread to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen.
- Unusual fatigue
- Some people—especially older adults and women—may experience extreme tiredness instead of classic chest pain.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Reduced blood flow or heart rhythm problems can sometimes cause these symptoms.
- Leg pain when walking (claudication)
- Cramping or aching in the calves, thighs, or hips during walking that improves with rest can be a sign of peripheral artery disease.
- Coldness, numbness, or color changes in the feet
- Poor circulation to the legs may cause cooler skin, tingling, or changes in skin color.
- Slow-healing wounds on the feet or legs
- Reduced blood flow can make cuts or sores heal more slowly.
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
- These can be warning signs of a stroke and require urgent medical attention.
- Erectile dysfunction (in some men)
- Blood vessel problems can sometimes affect circulation needed for erections and may be an early sign of vascular disease.
Seek emergency care immediately if you have:
- Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or keeps returning.
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body.
- Sudden trouble speaking, seeing, or walking.
- Severe shortness of breath or fainting.
Reducing your risk of artery disease
Helpful steps include:
- Avoiding tobacco.
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercising regularly as appropriate.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Taking prescribed medications as directed.
Many people with artery plaque have no obvious symptoms, which is why regular checkups and risk-factor screening are important—especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking history, or a family history of heart disease.
