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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Clogged Arteries
Introduction
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When they become clogged due to plaque buildup (a condition known as atherosclerosis), blood flow is restricted. This can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of clogged arteries depend on which arteries are affected:
1. Coronary Arteries (Heart)
- Chest pain (angina): A squeezing or pressure-like pain in the chest, especially during physical activity or stress.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, even with mild exertion.
- Fatigue: Feeling easily tired due to reduced oxygen delivery to the heart.
- Heart attack symptoms: Severe chest pain, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, nausea, sweating, and dizziness.
2. Carotid Arteries (Brain)
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
- Slurred speech or difficulty understanding speech.
- Temporary vision loss in one eye (amaurosis fugax).
- Dizziness or loss of balance. These may signal a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
3. Peripheral Arteries (Legs, Arms, or Abdomen)
- Leg pain while walking (claudication).
- Cold feet or legs compared to the other side.
- Non-healing sores on the feet or legs.
- Weak or absent pulses in the legs.
Risk Factors
Understanding risk factors can help prevent clogged arteries. These include: - High cholesterol - High blood pressure - Smoking - Diabetes - Obesity - Sedentary lifestyle - Unhealthy diet
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of stroke, seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
Clogged arteries can lead to serious health conditions, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help manage the risk. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and medical check-ups are crucial.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.