Blocked arteries (often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque inside blood vessels) can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms. Warning signs depend on which arteries are affected—heart, brain, legs, or other organs.
10 possible signs of artery problems you shouldn’t ignore
- Chest pressure, tightness, or pain
- A squeezing or heavy feeling in the chest, especially during activity, may be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Shortness of breath
- Can occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood or is under strain.
- Pain spreading to other areas
- Discomfort may spread to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back.
- Unusual fatigue
- Some people, especially older adults and women, may experience unusual tiredness rather than classic chest pain.
- Dizziness or fainting
- May occur when blood flow to the brain is reduced or the heart rhythm is affected.
- Leg pain when walking
- Cramping or aching in the calves, thighs, or hips during walking that improves with rest can be a sign of peripheral artery disease.
- Coldness or color changes in the legs or feet
- Reduced circulation may cause one limb to feel colder or look pale or bluish.
- Slow-healing wounds
- Poor circulation can make cuts or sores on the feet and legs take longer to heal.
- Sudden neurological symptoms
- Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or sudden confusion can be signs of a stroke and require emergency care.
- Erectile dysfunction (in some men)
- Blood vessel problems can sometimes affect circulation to the penis and may be an early sign of vascular disease.
Seek emergency help immediately for:
- Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble)
Reducing artery disease risk
Helpful steps include:
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Not smoking
- Regular physical activity
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have blocked arteries, but persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve medical evaluation.
