Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, and the smoother inner walls of arteries ensure the blood flows efficiently to every body part. Unfortunately, due to some health reasons, the arteries may get clogged. This may be due to plaque buildup in the inner walls of arteries. The plaque is made of cholesterol, fats and excess minerals.
These clogged arteries can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. It needs angioplasty and stent insertions to clear the arteries and avoid them from shrinking. It can be challenging to know when angioplasty is required as the signs of clogged arteries are very common. Yet, you can observe some symptoms that can lead to an angioplasty. Therefore, here are five signs to know you have clogged arteries.
1. Prolonged Muscle pain
Muscle pain is one of the most common signs of clogged arteries. The arteries in the legs are most prone to get clogged. The discomfort in performing normal activities like cycling, walking, running, and even standing can be difficult due to the pain. Over time the pain intensifies and becomes severe. If you are experiencing muscle pain for a longer time, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to find the reason behind it.
2. Chest pain
The clogged arteries in any part of the body are dangerous. As the heart is located in the chest, chest pain can be a warning sign for clogged arteries. Continuous chest pain is one of the most common signs of clogged arteries. If you feel sudden, extreme pain in your chest, consult a doctor immediately.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is not something to be neglected. It might seem normal to not have the energy to get up and do the everyday tasks, but it can lead to a lower blood supply to different parts of your body, including the brain. A major reason behind fatigue is obesity and clogged arteries. As obesity and heart problems go hand in hand, it’s best to maintain a good weight, so you feel more energised. If you still feel constant tiredness and fatigue, you might want to get checked for clogged arteries.
4. Disorientation and dizziness
It can be challenging to know if you require angioplasty when the symptoms of clogged arteries are as common as dizziness and difficulty focusing. The human brain needs oxygen to function optimally. This oxygen is provided by the heart through blood. Unfortunately, delivering sufficient blood to the brain gets challenging when the arteries are blocked. Due to the lack of blood, the brain can not function efficiently, causing symptoms like dizziness, unconsciousness, and disorientations. If you feel lightheaded after suddenly waking up and doing quick physical movements, the imbalance in blood circulation caused by clogged arteries can be the culprit.
5. Swelling and skin problems in legs
When the arteries are blocked, the blood needs to find another way to flow. The narrowed or clogged arteries force the excess blood to reach other body parts where it is not required. Thanks to gravity, the blood often flows downwards towards the legs. This additional blood causes swelling and various skin problems like inflammation and discolouration. The wound and injuries to these areas are not healed, leading to gangrene and amputation.
Clogged arteries are the prime culprit behind numerous health problems. Beware of these common signs, and make sure you consult a health professional to confirm whether you have clogged arteries or not.
