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Recognizing the symptoms of clogged arteries is crucial for early detection and prevention of serious health issues like heart attacks or strokes. When it comes to our health, the heart is at the center of it all. Every beat of this vital organ pumps oxygen-rich blood through our arteries to every part of our bodies, sustaining life. How can we ensure optimal heart health? What are the warning signs that something is amiss? Let’s examine the subject of coronary artery disease and discuss ways you can identify problems and perhaps prevent them from happening.
The heart is a tireless pump that spends decades cycling blood again and again. However, plaque buildup can disrupt this critical process leading to serious cardiovascular diseases by clogging or narrowing these blood vessels. This is called coronary artery disease (CAD).
Developing clogged arteries is not uncommon. It’s the most common type of heart disease in the United States and a leading cause of death in both men and women due to blood clots and heart attacks.
Many people don’t notice symptoms of clogged arteries until a significant medical emergency like a heart attack occurs.
However, for many people, there are warning signs that they are developing coronary artery disease. Recognizing these symptoms of a blocked artery early can make a big difference in preventing more serious complications.
Chest pain, or angina pain, is commonly reported by those suffering from reduced blood flow. It’s often described as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. This pain may coincide with physical activity or stress and go away with rest.
Angina pain usually lasts for a few minutes, but if it persists longer it can be an indication of a more serious issue like a heart attack.
Blocked artery symptoms may include difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath, especially during physical activity. Those who suffer from this condition, also called dyspnea, describe it as not being able to get enough air, which can be alarming. This can happen with or without accompanying chest pain. It may be a sign that the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Unusual tiredness or a significant lack of energy can be an early warning sign of coronary artery disease. Patients may feel excessive tiredness even after minor activity. This is particularly concerning when there aren’t obvious reasons for the fatigue.
Pain associated with coronary artery disease isn’t always confined to sudden chest pain. Radiating pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back may also indicate CAD. This pain may feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, or a sense of heaviness.
Blocked arteries may cause unusual beating of the heart muscle. This can take the form of racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeats. People will sometimes describe it as fluttering or skipping beats.
Palpitations can be benign. However, when they are combined with other symptoms of a blocked artery condition, they warrant a physical exam from a medical doctor.
Unexplained sweating, known medically as diaphoresis, particularly when it is excessive or sudden, can be a symptom of CAD. This is a key indication of cardiac distress. It shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.
Nausea and lightheadedness can also accompany other symptoms of coronary artery disease. Especially when occurring with chest discomfort, it suggests a possible heart attack.
Swelling or edema in the feet, ankles, or legs can indicate poor circulation due to coronary artery disease. The heart cannot pump enough blood back to the heart, leading to pooling in the lower extremities. Weight gain from fluid retention may also occur.
What causes coronary artery disease? Understanding the risk factors for blocked coronary arteries is essential as a first step for prevention or intervention. By recognizing and managing these risk factors, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain good heart health. Here are a few factors for coronary artery disease.
High blood pressure exerts extra force on artery walls, causing damage and making them less elastic. Over time, this damage can lead to atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries. High blood pressure also makes the heart work harder to pump blood. The heart muscle can become thickened and eventually fail.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can accumulate on the artery walls. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol contribute to the formation of plaque. Elevated cholesterol can lead to artery inflammation, further increasing the risk of rupture or blood clots.
A genetic predisposition toward heart disease or coronary artery disease can increase an individual’s risk because of inherited factors. If a close family member such as a parent or sibling is diagnosed with CAD at a young age, this can indicate a higher susceptibility to the disease.
The way we live our lives and the choices we make in daily life can greatly influence our overall health and the likelihood of some medical problems. Some of the risk factors for coronary artery disease that relate to lifestyle choices include:
Coronary heart disease is not a foregone conclusion for most people. Even with managed changes, they can reduce the risk factors they may have for coronary artery disease before it develops.
Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can go a long way to preventing clogged arteries. Be aware of portion control to avoid overeating and keep the pounds off.
Set a goal for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Brisk walking, cycling, and swimming are good options. Add strength training a couple of times a week for variety and to build muscle.
Attack stress with better management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and relaxing hobbies. Avoid cigarettes, unhealthy snacking, and drinking alcohol to deal with stress. Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night to regulate heart health and mood.
Cardiovascular disease is a common medical problem for millions of people. Arteries narrow or become blocked when plaque collects on the artery walls. An artery blockage may be asymptomatic or be accompanied by common signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Some conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, and lifestyle choices may make coronary artery disease more likely. However, some risk factors can be addressed through directed effort and smart choices. Speak with your doctor today to make sure you’re doing all you can to stop clogged arteries before they start.
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