Our arteries serve as support for the blood’s circulation. Think of your arteries as highways. Your arteries transport oxygenated blood to your heart, brain, and cells. Just like highways, arteries get bumpy. These bumps lead to traffic jams, which affect your blood circulation.
The bumps in your arteries are the fatty deposits building up inside the artery walls, called plaques. They block your circulation flow or make the passageway narrower.
Having clogged arteries is a condition known as atherosclerosis. It doesn’t just imbalance your circulation flow; it can also lead to serious complications.
The culprit for heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems? No other than the clogged arteries.
This condition is dangerously mysterious. It stays silent until something bad happens to you.
Don’t lose hope. Your body gives a warning before something bad might occur to you. This can also be a life-saving knowledge for you and for others.
Here are the five signs that your body warns you that your arteries are clogged:
1. Chest Pain or Pressure
One of the signs of clogged arteries is chest discomfort. This can be felt through tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest.
This happens when the arteries that feed the heart are clogged. The passageway is narrow, unable to deliver enough oxygen.
The pain is called angina. This pain can spread to your neck, shoulder, arm, or jaw. It also gets worse during physical activity.
If the discomfort goes away after resting, your body gives you a warning. If it persists, it could mean a serious blockage. Seek medical help when this happens.
2. Shortness of Breath
Another sign to take note of is the shortness of breath. This usually occurs after doing physical activities. Then your heart gets oxygen minimally, and the pumping of the blood is inefficient.
The shortness of breath is one of the most common signs of coronary artery disease. Especially when paired with fatigue or chest pressure.
This sign should not be taken lightly. It prevents you from enjoying physical activities. Even if your body craves physical activity, a clogged artery weakens your heart.
Shortness of breath could also happen when you do not engage in a physical activity. It can be your body’s way of telling you that your arteries are clogged.
3. Leg Pain or Cramping During Movement
Another sign is cramping or leg pain. This feeling is a sign that you have clogged arteries. This can also be in the form of numbness.
The pain or numbness in your legs indicates a Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). A condition caused by clogged arteries in the legs. It happens because your muscles are not getting enough blood flow.
PAD happens when you work, climb the stairs, or do a leg activity. The feeling of cramps, pain, or numbness may appear at any time. It disappears as you rest.
In addition, you can also notice other signs of clogged arteries in your legs or feet. Signs such as pale skin on the legs, slow-healing wounds, and cold feet point to poor circulation. This can be your body’s signal for arterial problems.
Ignoring these signs can lead to serious problems in your feet and legs. Seek medical help earlier to assess your condition.
4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Another sign that your body tells you of clogged arteries is feeling faint or dizzy. This affects your carotid arteries. These are the arteries that provide oxygen to the brain.
When the carotid arteries are affected, the brain’s function is impaired. Then you experience blurred vision, confusion, slurred speech, or sudden weakness.
Fainting or dizziness is an early sign that your brain is not getting enough blood and oxygen. A reduction of blood and oxygen flow in the brain can cause serious complications. This can lead to a stroke.
So, if you often feel lightheaded or have brief “blackout” moments. It’s worth checking your blood circulation with a doctor.
5. Constant Fatigue or Weakness
Your body can also signal clogged arteries if you experience unusual tiredness or physical weakness.
Feeling tired, even after waking up, is a symptom of poor circulation throughout the body. This is because your organs and muscles don’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This makes you feel drained or sluggish all the time.
The feeling of fatigue and weakness often appears in people with atherosclerosis, especially if the arteries to the heart or brain are affected.
You might shrug it off as due to stress or aging. But chronic tiredness that comes with shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest tightness is your organ’s way of asking for help.
Why These Signs Matter?
The signs will help you identify which symptoms are affected. All of them point to one problem: a restricted blood flow. It affects your limbs, heart, or brain.
These signs may initially seem minor. But they will become much worse later on. Thus, early detection of clogged arteries is critical to one’s health.
Many patients found out too late that they have atherosclerosis. Not until they experience a stroke or heart attack.
These symptoms can be your body’s check that saves both your life and money. It helps you act earlier without panicking.
What can you do?
If you have one or more of these signs, don’t ignore them. Schedule a checkup with a doctor.
Simple tests such as stress, blood, or ultrasound provide a better check for your arteries. This can detect narrowing in the arteries before it leads to damage.
So what if the doctor says I’m completely healthy? Don’t be overconfident. Staying healthy is your responsibility.
Here are the practical steps you can take to keep your arteries clear and your heart strong:
Eat Smart
Eat less or none of the processed foods and trans fats. Focus on essential foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like fish and olive oil.
Stay Active
Make a 40-minute walk part of your weekly routine to improve blood circulation and reduce plaque buildup.
Slowly Quit Smoking
Smoking damages the artery walls and speeds up clogging. If you’re a smoker, gradually quit smoking. This can help you quit smoking and be responsible for your health.
Monitor Or Control Your Blood Pressure And Cholesterol
High numbers make arteries work harder. One way to control your blood pressure and cholesterol is to manage your food intake.
Manage Your Stress
Chronic stress can tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Find a time in your day where you can relax and rest well.
Another effective way to combat clogged arteries is to make a lifestyle change, and in that way to improve your health.
Final Takeaway
Clogged arteries rarely appear overnight; they build up quietly and over time. The early signs regarding your health signal the need to take better care of yourself. Your organs are irreplaceable.
Listening to your body could save your life. Watch out for these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, leg cramps, dizziness, or fatigue.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, act now. Talk to a healthcare professional, make small lifestyle changes, and keep your arteries unclogged.
Prevention is always an easier and better option than emergency treatment.
Your arteries are the supportive network that connects your heartbeat and thought. Treat them well and they’ll carry you through a strong and healthy life.