Blocked arteries, often referred to as the ‘silent killer’, can pose serious health risks without individuals being aware of the problem until it becomes severe. Early warning signs have been identified and people are urged to seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms.
These include chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and pain in other parts of the body. Arteries play a crucial role in our heart and circulatory system, transporting oxygen-rich blood from the heart to organs and tissues throughout the body.
However, damage to the artery walls caused by factors such as high blood pressure can lead to inflammation and the accumulation of fatty material. The body’s attempt to heal this inflammation results in a fibrous seal over the fatty material, which over time forms a hardened plaque (also known as atheroma), narrowing the artery.
This process, known as atherosclerosis, continues gradually as more fatty material accumulates, causing further inflammation, larger plaques, and increasingly narrow arteries. The British Heart Foundation explains: “Coronary heart disease is when the arteries supplying blood to your heart (coronary arteries) become narrowed. Chest pain (angina) is a common symptom of coronary heart disease. Or if the arteries in your legs are clogged, you may notice pain in your legs (claudication), which is a sign of peripheral arterial disease.
“But the biggest risk is if the plaque ruptures (breaks off) and the blood flowing through the artery forms a blood clot around it, which blocks your artery. If a blood clot forms in the coronary arteries, this will cause a heart attack. And if it happens in an artery supplying blood to your brain, such as the carotid arteries in the neck, it will lead to a stroke.”, reports Surrey Live.
The good news is that if you notice the signs early, you can take action to improve your health and avoid more serious issues. Here are seven early signs that your heart arteries might be blocked, as reported by the Times of India.
Chest pain or tightness: One of the most common signs of blocked heart arteries is feeling pain or tightness in the chest. You may feel this discomfort during physical activity, like when you’re walking or exercising, or when you’re stressed.
In some cases, the pain can even happen while you are resting. If the pain is severe or lasts for a long time, it’s important to see a doctor.
Shortness of breath: If your heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen because of blocked arteries, you may notice that it’s hard to breathe, even when doing things that don’t usually make you tired. This shortness of breath can happen during physical activity or at rest.
Unusual tiredness: Dr Avinash Verma, Director of Electrophysiology at the BLK-Max Heart and Vascular Institute, BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital, has warned that feeling tired or weak without exerting much effort could be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood properly. He explained: “Feeling tired or weak without doing much can be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood properly. When blood flow is reduced due to blocked arteries, your body has to work harder, which makes you feel more tired than usual, even after light activity.”
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Can also be a symptom of blocked arteries, as they can make it difficult for your heart to send enough blood to your brain. This can sometimes lead to fainting.
If you notice your heart beating too fast or irregularly, this could indicate that it’s struggling to pump blood effectively. Blocked heart arteries can cause the heart to beat in unusual rhythms.
Pain in other parts of the body can also be a sign of blocked heart arteries. The pain can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, and is often on the left side of the body but can appear elsewhere too.
Experiencing cold sweats, especially in bed or feeling cold and clammy, particularly alongside other symptoms, may suggest that your heart is under stress. This can occur if the blood flow to the heart is blocked.
Should you spot any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Early detection can stave off severe health issues and enable you to adopt lifestyle modifications that enhance your cardiac health.
For more information from the British Heart Foundation click here.