Arterial disease, also known as arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, is a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries, restricting blood flow to your organs and tissues. This can lead to serious health problems and even death.

According to the American Heart Association, about 8.5 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a type of arterial disease that affects the legs and feet. Arterial disease can also affect the arteries in your heart, brain, kidneys, and other parts of your body.

Common Warning Signs of Arterial Disease

Arterial disease often develops slowly over time and may not cause any symptoms until it has progressed significantly. Here are some common warning signs of arterial disease:.

Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort, also known as angina, is a common symptom of arterial disease affecting the arteries in your heart. The pain may feel like pressure or aching in your chest and may spread to your arm, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.

Chest pain may occur during physical activity or emotional stress and usually goes away with rest. However, if the pain is severe or lasts longer than a few minutes, it may be a sign of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is another common symptom of arterial disease affecting the arteries in your heart or lungs. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath or you’re gasping for air.

Shortness of breath may occur during physical activity or at rest and may be accompanied by chest pain, coughing, wheezing, or fatigue. If you experience sudden or severe shortness of breath, it may be a sign of a pulmonary embolism or a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.

Leg Pain or Cramping

Leg pain or cramping, also known as claudication, is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) affecting the arteries in your legs or feet.

You may experience pain, cramping, or weakness in your legs or feet during physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs. The pain may go away with rest but return when you resume activity. In severe cases, you may experience pain at rest or develop non-healing wounds or ulcers on your legs or feet.

Numbness or Weakness

Numbness or weakness, also known as paresthesia, is another common symptom of arterial disease affecting the arteries in your arms or legs. You may feel tingling, burning, or prickling sensations in your arms or legs or have difficulty moving them.

Numbness or weakness in one side of your body may be a sign of a stroke and requires immediate medical attention.

Dizziness or Fainting

Dizziness or fainting, also known as syncope, is a common symptom of arterial disease affecting the arteries in your brain or heart. You may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or lose consciousness suddenly.

Dizziness or fainting may occur during physical activity or at rest and may be accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. If you experience sudden or severe dizziness or fainting, it may be a sign of a stroke or a heart arrhythmia and requires immediate medical attention.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision, also known as amaurosis fugax, is a common symptom of arterial disease affecting the arteries in your eyes or brain. You may experience sudden or temporary blindness in one eye or partial loss of vision.

Blurred vision may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, or confusion. If you experience sudden or severe blurred vision, it may be a sign of a stroke and requires immediate medical attention.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common risk factor for arterial disease affecting the arteries in your whole body.

You may not experience any symptoms of high blood pressure, but over time, it can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems. It’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep it within a healthy range.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, is another common risk factor for arterial disease.

You may not experience any symptoms of high cholesterol, but over time, it can contribute to the formation of plaque in your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. It’s important to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly and take steps to keep them within a healthy range.

Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for arterial disease because it damages your artery walls, increases your blood pressure and heart rate, and reduces your blood oxygen levels.

If you smoke, it’s important to quit as soon as possible to reduce your risk of arterial disease and other health problems.

Diabetes

Diabetes is another major risk factor for arterial disease because it can damage your artery walls, increase your blood sugar levels, and decrease your blood flow to your organs and tissues.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, take your medications as prescribed, and make lifestyle changes to manage your condition.

Conclusion

Arterial disease is a serious health condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.

By knowing the warning signs and risk factors of arterial disease, you can take steps to prevent or manage it and improve your overall health and quality of life.