Blocked arteries (also called Atherosclerosis) may not cause symptoms until blood flow is significantly reduced. The warning signs depend on which arteries are affected.
Here are 10 symptoms that should not be ignored:
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
A feeling of tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest, often triggered by physical activity or emotional stress and relieved by rest. - Shortness of breath
This may occur during activity or even at rest if the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. - Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
This can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart or a heart attack. - Pain in the legs when walking (claudication)
Cramping or aching in the calves, thighs, or buttocks that improves with rest can indicate narrowed arteries in the legs. - Cold feet or legs
Reduced circulation can make one or both feet feel cooler than usual. - Slow-healing wounds on the feet or legs
Poor blood flow can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. - Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
This may signal reduced blood flow to the brain and could indicate a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). - Sudden vision changes or trouble speaking
These can also be signs of a stroke and require emergency medical attention. - Unusual fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
Some people, especially women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may experience fatigue instead of typical chest pain. - Erectile dysfunction
In some men, erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of atherosclerosis affecting blood vessels elsewhere in the body.
When to seek emergency care
Call your local emergency services immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes or that returns repeatedly.
- Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw.
- Sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, vision loss, or severe dizziness.
Risk factors
You’re more likely to develop blocked arteries if you have:
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- A family history of early heart disease
- Older age
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean your arteries are blocked, as many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. If you have persistent or concerning symptoms, a healthcare professional can evaluate you and, if appropriate, recommend tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, ultrasound, or other imaging based on your situation.