Do you have chest pain, leg pain, high blood pressure, and vision problems? If yes, It’s time to be serious as it may be an indication of blocked arteries.
This condition occurs when there is a build-up of calcium, fat, cholesterol, and other substances around your arteries. Arteries are responsible for carrying blood and oxygen to various parts of your body. However, when arteries become blocked, it can lead to serious health consequences, such as stroke and heart attack.
We spoke to our expert Dr Zakia Khan, Senior Consultant-Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, who listed seven warning signs that indicate blocked arteries.
6 Symptoms Of Blocked Arteries
Chest Pain
One of the most common symptoms of blocked arteries is chest pain. You may experience tightness or pressure in your chest that spreads to the arms, jaw, neck, or back. It can also be a sign of angina, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to your heart, or a heart attack which occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked.
Leg Pain
A condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when blood to the legs is blocked by arteries. This causes leg pain, cramping, or weakness during physical activity. Taking rest may fade the pain, but once the person resumes physical activity the pain can come back. In severe cases, PAD may result in amputation, infections, or even ulcers.
Shortness Of Breath
You may also experience shortness of breath if your arteries are blocked. This is because your heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s requirements when arteries become blocked. This symptom may occur during physical activity or at rest and may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort.
Also Read: Expert Tips To Follow In Your 20s & 30s To Have A Healthy Heart Later
Erectile Dysfunction
Men may experience erectile dysfunction due to clogged arteries in the pelvis. It is often caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries become clogged with fatty deposits. It has an impact on the blood arteries that supply the penis with blood. If you are someone who experiences this condition, consult with healthcare immediately as it may be an early sign of a serious condition.
Also Read: Rising Heart Diseases In Women: Foods You Should Eat To Improve Your Heart Health
Fatigue
It is natural to experience fatigue when overburdened with work or physical exertion. However, when you have blocked arteries you may experience this symptom more often as your heart works harder to pump blood throughout your body. You could consequently feel weak and exhausted. This symptom may be accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness.
Vision Problems
Blocked arteries can even affect your vision and cause eye issues, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision. These signs and symptoms could indicate a serious disease, like a stroke or a retinal artery obstruction. They could also appear suddenly or gradually over time.
Bottomline
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately visit a doctor to avoid health complications. Early detection and treatment can prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks. In addition, maintain a healthy diet and engage in physical activities to keep your health in check.
