Are your arteries clogged? Here are signs to look for.

Because your arteries are the main highways through which your blood travels, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, clogged arteries can lead to serious health complications. Since most patients are not regularly tested for blockages, it’s important to know the symptoms of clogged arteries. 

Clogged coronary arteries

When we talk about fatty foods or cholesterol clogging our arteries, most of us are thinking of our coronary arteries, the arteries that lead to the heart.  When our coronary arteries are clogged, blood flow to the heart is reduced. Symptoms of this reduced blood flow can include:

• Chest pain (angina), often flaring up at times of physical or emotional stress. The pain is usually on the left side of the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Heart attack. A completely clogged coronary artery can cause a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include:
  • Chest pain, tightness and/or pressure
  • Pain in the arm, jaw, neck or back
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue

Women are more likely to experience the subtler symptoms of a heart attack, such as jaw or neck pain, nausea and sweating. If you experience these symptoms and suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately to be taken to the nearest emergency center. Covenant HealthCare offers both the area’s most preferred emergency care and heart care.   

Other clogged arteries

Other arteries in the body can become clogged or blocked, creating different kinds of problems.

• Carotid arteries — Carotid arteries are in the neck and carry blood to the brain. Clogged carotid arteries can lead to a stroke. Symptoms of stroke include:
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Paralysis or numbness of the face
  • Vision problems
  • Headache
  • Dizziness and problems with balance

  As with a heart attack, if you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, call 911 to get to an emergency center as quickly as possible. The Covenant Stroke Program is accredited by the Health Facilities Accreditation Program as a Primary Stroke Center.

• Lumbar arteries — These arteries supply blood to the lower back. Clogged lumbar arteries can lead to back pain, herniated disks and pinched nerves.
• Penile artery — In men, the penile artery leads to the genitals. Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of a clogged penile artery.

Patients who experience clogged arteries in one area are at greater risk for clogged arteries throughout the body, since the risk factors are the same.   

Preventing clogged arteries

Though family history, age and gender play a role in your risk for clogged arteries ( for instance, men are at greater risk, though women’s risk rises after menopause), there is plenty you can do to help avoid blockages:

• Don’t smoke
• Control high blood pressure with diet and medication
• Get regular exercise
• Eat a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, salt and sugar
• Control stress
• See your doctor for regular checkups

Being aware of the symptoms of clogged arteries and discussing any warning signs with your primary care physician can help you take a more proactive role in your health.

Posted Date: 8/7/2020