Artery disease refers to a condition where your arteries become clogged or narrowed leading to various health-related issues. The arterial system is essential to everyday health, supplying vital organs like the brain and the heart with blood and oxygen.

Damage to these arteries by a range of factors can result in the onset of artery disease. In this article, we discuss the top 30 signs and symptoms of artery disease that you must know.

1. Chest Pain

Chest pain, also known as angina, is a typical symptom of artery disease. The clogging of arteries that supply blood to the heart can have a severe impact on the organ’s functionality.

Chest pain is characterized as a tight, squeezing, or burning sensation, usually on the left side of the body.

2. Leg Weakness

Arterial blockages in the legs can lead to decreased blood flow thereby leading to muscular weakness. As the blood flow within the muscles decreases, it ultimately affects the nerve endings that control muscular strength, leading to weakness.

3. Arm Weakness

Similar to leg weakness, blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the arms also have an impact on muscular strength. If you experience any unexplained or sudden weakness in your arms, it may be a warning sign of artery disease.

4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Reduced blood flow to vital organs such as the brain can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This feeling generally occurs when you quickly stand up or sit down.

5. Numbness or Tingling Sensations

Another typical symptom of artery disease is a numbness or tingling sensation in various parts of the body. This may be especially prevalent in the limbs and extremities.

Reduced blood flow can cause nerve endings to become damaged, resulting in a tingling sensation.

6. Calf Pain

If you experience calf pain when walking, it may be a warning sign of artery disease. Calf pain is a typical symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the blocking of the arteries that supply blood flow to the legs.

7. Erectile Dysfunction

Men may experience erectile dysfunction as a result of artery disease. The reduced blood flow that is required for an erection can be disrupted due to blockages in the arteries that supply the blood.

8. Shortness of Breath

If your arteries are clogged or narrowed, it can be challenging to inhale enough air, leading to a shortness of breath. This can be especially evident when partaking in physical activities such as running or walking up a flight of stairs.

9. Hair Loss

Clogged arteries can also lead to hair loss. Reduced blood flow to the scalp can starve hair follicles of essential nutrients resulting in hair loss.

10. Vision Issues

Arterial blockages to the brain and eyes can cause vision issues. The reduced blood flow affects the optic nerve, leading to difficulty in vision such as blurriness or spots in vision.

11. Nausea

Reduced blood flow can cause the digestive organs to function inadequately, leading to nausea, dizziness, and stomach cramps. These symptoms can occur after meals or even when you wake up in the morning.

12. High Blood Pressure

If your arteries are clogged and blocked, it could put additional strain on your heart and lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to additional health problems such as stroke, heart failure, or vision loss.

13. Irregular Heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia may be a symptom of artery disease. The irregularity is often due to insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to an increased heart rate, palpitations, or skipped beats.

14. Sudden Onset of Fatigue

If you suddenly feel fatigued and lack energy even after getting enough sleep, it may be an indication of artery disease. Fatigue is a typical symptom of reduced blood flow to the body’s tissues and organs.

15. Cold Arms or Legs

When the arteries that supply blood to the arms or legs become clogged or blocked, these areas can feel cold to the touch, even on warm days. These symptoms can be common in individuals experiencing PAD.

16. Wounds That Don’t Heal Quickly

Slow healing of wounds can be an early warning sign of artery disease. Reduced blood flow to the affected area can slow down the body’s ability to heal the wound.

17. Gum Disease

Research shows a strong link between gum disease and artery disease. Experts believe that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation of the circulatory system, leading to artery disease.

18. Kidney Disease

Artery disease can also affect the kidneys and cause kidney disease. The arteries responsible for supplying blood flow to the kidneys can become clogged or blocked, leading to reduced kidney function.

19. Poor Memory

A reduction in blood flow to the brain can impact the memory and processing power of the brain. It may lead to poor memory, difficulty concentrating, and a reduced ability to process information efficiently.

20. Stroke

Strokes are a severe medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This can occur due to a blockage or rupture of an artery which is often the result of artery disease.

21. Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked, leading to significant damage to the heart muscle. This is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

22. Aneurysm

Aneurysms occur when a weak section of a blood vessel expands to form a bulge. This bulge can burst, causing severe internal bleeding or a stroke. Artery disease can cause an aneurysm to form when the walls of the arteries become weakened.

23. Painful Erections

Artery disease can cause painful erections due to inadequate blood flow to the penis. If you experience pain during an erection, contact your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

24. Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection, could be a sign of artery disease. Reduced blood flow to the penis caused by artery disease can lead to difficulty sustaining an erection.

25. Leg Cramps

If you experience leg cramps when walking, they may be a sign of arterial blockages in the legs. These cramps often feel like a tightness or aching pain and are a common symptom of PAD.

26. Painful Breathing

Painful breathing or chest discomfort while doing physical activities can be an indication of artery disease or an impending heart attack. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

27. Swelling

Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet can be a sign of artery disease. This swelling occurs due to the arteries becoming unable to distribute the necessary blood flow for fluid exchange in these areas.

28. Changes in Skin Color

If you notice that the skin of your hands, arms, feet, or legs is discolored, it may be a warning sign of artery disease. Skin that is paler or bluish can indicate reduced blood flow.

29. Fainting Spells

Fainting spells or sudden loss of consciousness can indicate a heart condition connected to artery disease. This symptom must not be ignored and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

30. Persistent Cough

A persistent cough that occurs due to reduced blood flow to the lungs can indicate heart or lung issues. This symptom is more prevalent in older adults who are already experiencing artery disease symptoms.