Blocked arteries (often caused by a buildup of fatty plaques) can reduce blood flow to the heart, brain, legs, or other parts of the body. Symptoms depend on which arteries are affected, and some people have no symptoms until a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Here are 10 possible warning signs:
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
Discomfort, tightness, or pressure in the chest that occurs with activity or stress and improves with rest may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart. - Shortness of breath
Becoming unusually breathless during activities you previously tolerated can be a sign of heart disease. - Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
This can occur when the heart isn’t getting enough blood. - Pain or cramping in the legs when walking (claudication)
Leg pain that improves with rest may suggest narrowed arteries in the legs. - Coldness, numbness, or weakness in a limb
Reduced blood flow can cause these symptoms, especially if one side is affected more than the other. - Non-healing sores or wounds on the feet or legs
Poor circulation can slow healing and increase the risk of infection. - Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
These may be signs of reduced blood flow to the brain or a stroke and require emergency medical attention. - Vision changes
Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes can also be a warning sign of a stroke. - Unexplained fatigue
Persistent fatigue can sometimes be associated with heart disease, though it has many possible causes. - Erectile dysfunction
In some people, especially younger men, erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of blood vessel disease because the arteries supplying the penis are relatively small.
When to seek urgent care
Call your local emergency services immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes or accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw.
- Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or sudden vision loss.
Risk factors
Your chance of developing blocked arteries is higher if you have:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- A family history of early cardiovascular disease
- Increasing age
Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than blocked arteries, so they don’t confirm a diagnosis. If you’re experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, a healthcare professional can evaluate them and recommend appropriate testing if needed. Early management of risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
