People believe a common misconception that blocked arteries are only a problem for the elderly. But in many cases, by the time we reach 20, there are already blockages in our arteries.
That is why many people affected by this disease do not understand what is happening until it is too late. It is very important to know the signs and be alert to be able to go to the doctor on time.
We cares about our readers, so we made a list of the 6 most common signs of blocked arteries. Look at the risk factors and change your daily habits for the good of your health.
Signs of Blocked Arteries
6. Pain In The Calves, Thighs, Or Hips
Leg pain during activities like walking can be a sign of clogged arteries. This means that your extremities are not getting enough blood flow.
Symptoms can include muscle pain or cramps in the legs (or arms). The location of the pain depends on the location of the clot or narrowed artery.
5. Chest Pain
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Chest pain (or angina) is the result of reduced blood flow to the heart. It may feel like tightness, numbness, weight, pressure, or burning.
People generally do not experience this symptom at rest because it is triggered by physical or emotional exertion.
In some cases, the blockages can be so severe that angina can indicate that a person is having a heart attack.
4. Temporary Loss Of Vision On One Side
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The carotid arteries supply our eyes and brain. If these arteries are blocked, the result will be a temporary loss of vision or blurred vision in the eye on the same side.
A complete blockage leads to a stroke. That is why it is very important to be attentive to this signal.
3. Lower Back Pain
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Low back pain is a serious sign that you should not ignore. When blood flow to the lower back is reduced, the discs between the vertebrae become brittle.
And that leads to sore and compressed nerves. It is usually the first symptom in people with clogged arteries: according to one study, 10% of people in developed countries already have advanced obstructions in the abdominal aorta by the age of 20 years.
2. Shortness Of Breath
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This symptom develops when the coronary arteries are damaged or diseased. People experience this because their hearts cannot pump enough blood to meet their body’s needs.
This research suggests that people often do not consider the shortness of breath to be a serious problem. But sometimes it can be the only sign of severe coronary artery disease that may require treatment.
1. Cold Feet Or Hands
Cold feet can be caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This problem occurs when narrow arteries reduce blood flow to the extremities.
Poor wound healing or a weak pulse in the feet are also signs that should be seen by a doctor.
Additionally, the presence of PAD may indicate that there is a more widespread arterial disease in the body that can affect the brain or heart, causing a stroke or heart attack.
What Increases The Risk Of Blocked Arteries?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, factors that increase risk levels include the following:
You have harmful levels of cholesterol in your blood. This suggests high levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol.
Having high blood pressure. Blood pressure should not exceed 140/90 mmHg.
Smoking. Smoking damages and constricts blood vessels, increases cholesterol levels, and raises blood pressure. Also, it does not allow enough oxygen to reach the tissues of the body.
Being overweight or obese. A body mass index between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. The highest rate means that a person is obese.
Have you checked the ratio of good to bad cholesterol in your blood? If not, will you do this after reading this article? Share this information with the people you care about!