The condition known as atherosclerosis is brought on by the accumulation of fat and other substances in the arteries, which causes them to stiffen and narrow. Before you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, it may have been progressing for years.
Here are 5 things that indicate you have fatty deposits in your arteries (blocked arteries), according to Mayoclinic:
1. Shortness of breath
Breathlessness could be a symptom of blocked arteries. Shortness of breath is frequently not considered a significant symptom by patients, but in those with cardiac risk factors and those without lung illness, it may be the only indication of serious coronary artery disease that may require medical attention.
2. Chest pain
Chest pain is a very common sign of coronary artery disease, which is brought on by coronary arteries that have become clogged with cholesterol. It may be a sign of atherosclerosis. This is the system of arteries that supplies the heart muscle with nutrients.
3. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be brought on by blocked arteries. ED is a typical occurrence in males with coronary heart disease. Plaque buildup in the arteries causes coronary heart disease by decreasing blood flow to the heart and affecting blood vessel function. The erectile function also requires a healthy blood flow. Additionally, some drugs used to lower blood pressure can worsen ED.
4. Pain while walking
A clogged artery may cause pain in the legs or hips during walking. Similar to how artery blockages in the heart can result in heart attacks, artery blockages in the legs can make walking painful. You don’t require as much oxygen when you stop moving around, and the pain goes away.
5. Trouble breathing
However, if you’ve never felt this way when performing routine tasks, feeling out of breath while doing so could be an indication of significant cardiac disease. Breathlessness is a common symptom of treatable heart disorders such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
