1. Chest pain or pressure (angina)
A feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or pain in the chest—especially during physical activity or emotional stress—may occur when the heart isn’t getting enough blood.
2. Shortness of breath
Reduced blood flow to the heart can make it harder to keep up with physical activity, causing breathlessness.
3. Pain in the legs while walking
Cramping or aching in the calves, thighs, or buttocks that improves with rest may be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
4. Cold feet or legs
Poor circulation may make one or both feet feel unusually cold compared with the rest of the body.
5. Slow-healing sores on the feet or legs
Poor blood flow can delay wound healing, especially in people with diabetes.
6. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Sudden weakness, numbness, or facial drooping may be a sign of a stroke caused by reduced blood flow to the brain and requires immediate emergency care.
7. Vision changes
Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one eye can also be a warning sign of reduced blood flow and should be treated as an emergency.
8. Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
This can occur during a heart attack or severe angina, particularly if accompanied by chest discomfort.
9. Erectile dysfunction
In some men, erectile dysfunction may be associated with reduced blood flow due to vascular disease, though many other causes are possible.
10. Unusual fatigue
Persistent or unexplained fatigue, particularly when it occurs with exertion, can sometimes be a symptom of heart disease, especially in women.
Risk Factors for Blocked Arteries
Your risk is higher if you have:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- A family history of early cardiovascular disease
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call your local emergency services immediately if you have:
- Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
- Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or fainting
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision loss
Can Blocked Arteries Be Prevented?
Many people can reduce their risk by:
- Not smoking
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. If you have symptoms or several risk factors, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
