Clogged arteries, also known as arterial plaque deposits, can cause serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes if left untreated.

These deposits are usually composed of cholesterol, fatty cells, and other substances that can build up in the inner lining of the arterial walls. Over time, they can cause the arteries to become narrow and obstruct blood flow, depriving different parts of the body of oxygen and nutrients. Here are five warning signs that indicate clogged arteries:.

Chest pain or angina

Chest pain or angina is one of the most common symptoms of clogged arteries. It usually occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked due to the accumulation of plaque in the coronary arteries.

The pain may vary in intensity and may feel like pressure, tightness, or squeezing on the chest. It may also spread to the jaw, neck, back, or arms. If you experience chest pain, especially during physical activity or emotional stress, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as it may be a sign of a heart attack.

Shortness of breath

If your arteries are clogged, your heart may have to work harder to pump blood through them, which can cause shortness of breath.

This may occur during physical activity or even at rest, and may feel like you are gasping for air or unable to catch your breath. Shortness of breath can be a sign of several other conditions, such as asthma or lung disease, but it should not be ignored, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

High blood pressure

The buildup of plaque in the arteries can also lead to high blood pressure, or hypertension. When the arteries become narrow, the heart has to pump harder to push the blood through them, which can increase the pressure in the blood vessels.

High blood pressure is a silent killer that can cause damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs over time. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to monitor it regularly and follow your doctor’s recommendations to keep it under control.

Numbness or weakness in limbs

If the arteries that supply blood to your arms or legs become clogged, you may experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in those limbs.

This condition is called peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is more common in people with a history of smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. PAD can make it difficult to walk or perform daily activities and can also increase the risk of infections and complications, such as gangrene.

Vision problems

Clogged arteries can also affect your eyesight. If the arteries that supply blood to the retina become blocked, you may experience changes in your vision, such as blurry vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.

This condition is called retinal artery occlusion and can be a warning sign of an impending stroke. If you experience sudden vision changes, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Clogged arteries can cause serious health problems and should not be ignored. If you experience any of these warning signs, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Preventive measures such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking can also help reduce the risk of clogged arteries.