Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the other parts of the body. Clogged arteries refer to the condition where the arteries that are responsible for carrying blood are narrowed or blocked.

This happens due to the buildup of plaque or deposits of cholesterol, calcium, and fat. When these obstructions occur, the blood flow to the different organs or tissues in the body is impaired. Clogged arteries can lead to various health concerns, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, and more.

In this article, we will discuss how your body tells you about clogged arteries.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is the most common symptom experienced by people with clogged arteries.

The chest pain or discomfort is typically described as a tightness or pressure in the chest, which can spread to other parts of the body such as the arms, neck, jaw, and back. The chest pain usually occurs during physical activity or when under stress, but it may also occur during rest periods. Chest pain should not be ignored and should be immediately reported to a healthcare professional.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is another common indication of clogged arteries. When the arteries are narrowed or blocked, the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the lungs is reduced, which leads to shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath usually occurs during physical activity or when lying down flat. Shortness of breath is usually accompanied by chest pain, but it may also occur alone.

Numbness or Weakness

Clogged arteries can result in numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. This happens because the blood flow to these parts of the body is reduced.

These symptoms are often the result of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is a condition where the arteries outside the heart and brain are narrowed or blocked.

Fatigue

Fatigue or tiredness is another symptom that can indicate clogged arteries.

This happens because the narrowed or blocked arteries reduce the blood flow to the organs and tissues in the body, which leads to less oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the cells. This results in tiredness or fatigue.

Dizziness or Fainting

Dizziness or fainting is another possible indication of clogged arteries. When the arteries are narrowed or blocked, the blood pressure in the body drops, which can lead to dizziness or fainting.

These symptoms are usually the result of carotid artery disease, which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the brain are narrowed or blocked.

Poor Wound Healing

Another possible sign of clogged arteries is poor wound healing. When the blood flow to the different organs and tissues in the body is reduced, the healing process can be affected.

Poor wound healing can be observed in the legs and feet in people with PAD. PAD can also cause leg pain and cramping during physical activity.

Cold Feet

Cold feet is another indication of clogged arteries. When the arteries in the legs or feet are narrowed or blocked, the blood flow to these parts of the body is reduced, which can cause cold feet. This symptom is usually observed in people with PAD.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is another possible sign of clogged arteries. When the arteries are narrowed or blocked, the blood pressure in the body can increase.

This happens because the heart has to pump harder to deliver blood to the different organs and tissues in the body. High blood pressure can also damage the arterial walls and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Headaches

Headaches can also indicate clogged arteries. When the blood flow to the brain is reduced, the brain may not receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs to function properly.

This can cause headaches that are usually felt on both sides of the head or in the back of the head. Headaches are usually worse in the morning and progressively improve during the day.

Vision Problems

Vision problems can also indicate clogged arteries. When the arteries that supply blood to the eyes are narrowed or blocked, the vision can be affected. Vision problems can include blurred vision, double vision, or temporary loss or dimming of vision.

Vision problems can be a sign of carotid artery disease.

Conclusion

It is essential to recognize the symptoms that can indicate clogged arteries. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a healthcare professional.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health concerns.