Listen to the subtle symptoms of clogged arteries as it could lead to health complications, including heart attack and brain stroke
Imagine a garden pipe that has been used for years for watering plants, then its interiors started collecting dirt and now water no longer flows smoothly. Similarly, in case of clogged arteries, the flow of blood becomes restricted and in severe cases, the artery can become completely blocked, leading to serious health implications like heart attack and brain stroke.
But do you know long before such health emergencies occur, the body shows a number of symptoms, both subtle and prominent. By taking note of the symptoms, one can avert such serious medical situations.
Before discussing the symptoms, here’s what medical experts say about the risk factors and reasons for clogged arteries as well as their fallouts.
Arteries are one of the three types of blood vessels in the body, apart from veins and capillaries. The primary function of the arteries is to carry oxygenated blood from the heart to other organs whereas the veins bring back deoxygenated blood from the tissues to the heart. Capillaries are tiny vessels interconnecting the arteries and veins.
Main Arteries
Some of the most important arteries include the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood directly to the heart muscle. The carotid arteries, located on either side of the neck, deliver blood to the brain. The femoral arteries run down each leg and supply blood to the lower limbs, while the renal arteries carry blood to the kidneys. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, starting from the heart and branching out to supply to all major organs. Dr Anuj Kapadiya, senior consultant cardiologist, director, Cath Lab, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, elaborates the reasons, risk factors and symptoms of clogged arteries.
Risk Factors
“Over time, substances like fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other particles in the blood can start sticking to the inner walls of the arteries. This build-up is called plaque. As plaque accumulates, it narrows the inside of the artery, making it harder for the blood to pass through. The walls of the arteries also become harder and less flexible. Age is one of the main risk factors as most people begin developing some degree of plaque buildup post 40, despite feeling healthy. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity are at a higher risk. Family history, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle further escalate this risk,” explains Dr Anuj.
Deadly Fallouts
Dr Varsha Koul, senior consultant cardiologist from Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, New Delhi, avers, “If the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries) get clogged, it can cause chest pain or a heart attack, whereas blockage in carotid arteries can cause a brain stroke leading to paralysis. Blockage in leg or femoral arteries can lead to gangrene, which can lead to limb amputation if left untreated. Likewise, renal failure may happen if the kidneys don’t receive enough blood due to a block in the renal arteries. In case of all such blockages, one should seek immediate medical attention as delaying treatment can lead to life loss.”
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on whether the closure has occurred gradually or abruptly and the organ where the clogged artery had been supplying. Elaborating, Dr Kapadiya, says, “Early signs may include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath during light activity, or indigestion-like discomfort. Some people feel coldness or numbness on their hands or feet or notice that wounds (especially on the legs or feet) take longer to heal. Other signs might include leg pain while walking, sudden vision problems and even unusual pain in the jaw, neck or shoulders, particularly in women.
Later symptoms are more palpable, such as crushing chest pain, difficulty in breathing, severe leg pain, or stroke symptoms such as confusion, dizziness and slurred speech.”
Detection
Detecting clogged arteries starts with observing the symptoms or through routine health check-ups. If a person complains of chest discomfort, shortness of breath or fatigue, tests like an ECG (electrocardiogram) to look at the heart’s rhythm is recommended or a stress test to see how the heart performs under exertion. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to take pictures of the heart and more advanced imaging like CT angiography or a coronary angiogram can give a clearer view of the blockages.
Healthy Approach
“Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, millets, lean proteins (fish or chicken), and healthy fats (ghee and nuts for example) can make a huge difference. Regular exercise, including walking, swimming or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day keeps blood vessels flexible and promotes good circulation. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and managing stress through yoga, meditation or some hobbies are crucial. Regular check-ups to monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels help catch the problems early and those with risk factors should also get relevant tests done,” adds Dr Kapadiya.
