Symptoms of Clogged Arteries

The accumulation of plaques on the inner walls of arteries causes a narrowing effect on the arteries. Over time, this can lead to their blockage, reducing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to various body parts. In the following article, we will elucidate the symptoms of Clogged Arteries.

General Symptoms of Clogged Arteries

Clogged Arteries may not cause symptoms until the problem worsens, leading to complications such as a heart attack or stroke. However, when plaque accumulates in the arteries and causes a blockage of 70% or more, the patient may experience a set of symptoms.

The symptoms vary depending on the location of the blockage and the part of the body receiving reduced blood flow. Here are some prominent symptoms and signs that may indicate Clogged Arteries in general:

• Shortness of breath.
• Severe chest pain or a feeling of pressure.
• Heart Palpitations (increased or irregular heartbeats).
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
• Persistent nausea.
• Profuse sweating.
• Continuous fatigue and difficulty performing physical activities.

Therefore, if you experience the above symptoms, it is crucial not to ignore them and seek immediate care from a cardiologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Symptoms of Clogged Arteries in Detail

Now we will elaborate on the symptoms of clogged arteries based on the location of the blockage:

• Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease is a serious health problem that causes the blockage of blood vessels carrying blood to the head and brain with plaques, increasing the risk of a stroke.

The symptoms of carotid artery blockage include:

1. Sudden and severe headache.
2. Sudden speech problems (slurred speech).
3. Loss of vision or impaired vision in one or both eyes.
4. Loss of balance or sudden dizziness.
5. Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the face or limbs, specifically in one side of the body.
6. Inability to move the arm and leg.

• Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral arterial disease is a narrowing or blockage in any blood vessel that delivers blood to the arms or legs, but it is more common in vessels carrying blood from the heart to the legs.

The symptoms of peripheral arterial blockage include:

1. Cold extremities.
2. Pain, cramping, and weakness in the calf, thighs, hips, or buttocks.
3. Changes in skin color, appearing pale or blue, dryness, and cracking.
4. Shiny skin on the legs.
5. Slow growth of toenails.
6. Hair loss or slower hair growth on the legs.
7. Decreased or absent pulse in the legs.
8. Pain when using the arms.
9. Severe and unexplained headaches.
10. Development of sores and injuries on the legs with delayed healing.

How Is Clogged Arteries Diagnosed?

Typically, the doctor begins by diagnosing clogged arteries with a physical examination after inquiring about the medical and family history.

The doctor then requests a series of tests to determine the location and severity of the blockage, including:

• Ultrasound.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Angiogram.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Perfusion scans.
• Nuclear scans.
• Echocardiogram or cardiac stress test.
• Cardiac catheterization.

In addition to the above, the doctor may request some blood tests to measure cholesterol and fat levels. It's worth noting that Blazma provides most of these tests, such as the Lipid profile package.