People hold the common belief that clogged arteries are unique to older people. But in many cases, arterial obstruction occurs as early as the age of 20. Therefore, many of those who suffer from this disease do not realize what is happening until it is too late. Knowing the symptoms and being vigilant will help you see a doctor in time.
The seven most common signs of arterial blockage are listed below. Examine your risk factors and change your behavior for the good of your health.
Pain in your calves, hips or thighs
Walking can cause discomfort in your legs, which is a sign of clogged arteries. This indicates that not enough blood is flowing to your extremities. Leg cramps or muscle soreness are possible symptoms (or arms). The position of the clot or artery blockage determines where the discomfort is felt.
Chest pain
Decreased blood flow to the heart is the cause of chest discomfort, often called angina pectoris. The pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, numbness, heaviness, or burning. Because angina occurs as a result of physical or emotional tension, people often do not feel this symptom while resting. Sometimes the congestion can be so severe that in some people, angina may be indicative of a heart attack.
Temporary loss of vision on one side
Our brain and eyes are fed through the carotid arteries. If these arteries become blocked, the affected eye on the same side may become momentarily blind or lose vision. A complete blockage leads to a stroke. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this symptom.
Lower back pain
You should not ignore the main warning sign – discomfort in the lower back. The discs between the vertebrae weaken as a result of the deterioration of the blood supply to the lower back. This leads to pinched nerves, which causes pain. According to a study, 10% of people in well-to-do countries already have an extensive blockage of the abdominal aorta by the age of 20. This is usually the first symptom in people with arterial obstruction.
Dyspnea
When the coronary arteries are damaged or diseased, this symptom appears. People suffer from it as a result of their heart not being able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. According to research, many people do not consider shortness of breath to be a serious problem. However, sometimes it may be the only sign that serious coronary artery disease exists and needs to be treated.
Cold feet or hands
Cold feet (PAD) can be caused by peripheral artery disease. This problem occurs when narrowing of the arteries reduces blood flow to the extremities. Other warning signs are a slow wound healing rate or a weak pulse in the legs. In addition, the presence of PAD may be a sign of a more common vascular disease in the body, which can affect the heart or brain and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Fatigue and dizziness
Although less common, Harvard Health Publishing notes that fatigue can sometimes be a sign of coronary heart disease. These signs and symptoms can be the result of insufficient blood flow, which reduces oxygen levels. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, these symptoms occur more often in women.
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