A build-up of cholesterol can cause your arteries to become clogged. When this occurs, there is a much higher risk for a cardiovascular event to occur. But often times, a person may live with clogged arteries without any signs or symptoms until something more serious occurs.
Your body will reveal very subtle signs that your arteries are clogged by these signs, which can often be confused with other conditions.
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So, here are common signs and symptoms to look out for that reveal if you have clogged arteries so that you can reduce your risk of complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Clogged Arteries
Lower back pain: Lower back pain can be caused due to a lack of blood reaching the area.
Heart palpitations: Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is fluttering rather than pounding. Any changes to your heart’s rhythm could signal a serious problem, like clogged arteries.
Shortness of breath: Difficulties breathing could signal poor blood flow as a result of clogged arteries. You should always seek out medical attention if you experience shortness of breath.
Pain in the hips, calves, or thighs: Increasing pain in the legs and hips when walking could be a sign of peripheral arterial disease, which is a result of clogged arteries.
Blurry or impaired vision on one side: Clogged arteries to the brain can result in a “mini-stroke” which can temporarily affect vision. A mini-stroke is a sign of a serious problem and that a bigger stroke can occur. Take this as your warning to start making changes in your life.
Erectile dysfunction: To have and hold an erection, you need adequate blood flow, but this doesn’t occur when a person has clogged arteries.
Sweating: Feeling suddenly hot and sweating is a sign of clogged arteries and may also be a precursor to a heart attack.
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Cold feet: Cold feet and extremities is a sign of clogged arteries because lack of blood is what causes these body parts to feel cold.
Crease in your ear: A strange symptom, but noticing a crease in the earlobe could be a sign of poor circulation.
Depression: Having depression can increase your risk of clogged arteries because many depressed individuals no longer take care of their health, which means health issues can arise due to poor lifestyle habits.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
