Warning Signs of Clogged & Stiff Arteries
Arteries transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. Clean and elastic arteries ensure smooth blood flow passes through them. On the other hand, clogged and stiff arteries could lead to hypertension, heart attack, stroke or even death. Hence, it is vital to understand the signs and symptoms of unhealthy arteries:
Chest pain
Chest pain or angina may happen as a result of inadequate blood supply to the heart. Chest tightness, burning sensation, squeezing and aching may be a sign of clogged arteries. A complete blockage of arteries can cause a heart attack.
Heart palpitation
A heart palpitation is the feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, murmuring or pounding heart. This can be a symptom of clogged arteries. If this condition is not managed well, it could eventually lead to a heart attack.
Shortness of breath
The heart and lungs work closely to ensure all body’s tissues received oxygen-rich blood it needs to function properly. Shortness of breath may happen if the heart is not able to pump sufficient blood, which could be the result of clogged and/or stiff arteries.
Cold hands and feet
Cold or numb hands and feet are one of the symptoms of poor circulation. This may happen when arteries become narrowed or blocked as plaque and blood clot gradually forms inside the artery wall, which lead to less blood flow to the extremities.
Painful limbs
Painful thighs, calves or hips during regular activities could be a warning sign of clogged arteries. When the limbs do not receive sufficient blood flow, muscle pain or cramps in the legs may happen.
Lower back pain
Lumbar arteries or arteries leading to the lower back are generally the first in the body to get clogged. The reduced blood flow to the back leads to weakened disc and vertebrae, which in turn causes painful herniated disks and pinched nerves.
Loss of vision
Clogged arteries or veins in the retina may lead to vision loss. This condition is known as eye stroke, in which blood flow to eye tissue is reduced or blocked.
Fatigue & dizziness
Excessive fatigue after physical activity or dizziness when standing up or overexerting yourself could be one of the symptoms of clogged arteries. This symptom develops as a results of poor blood flow and low levels of oxygen.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction could be a sign of clogged arteries. To get and maintain an erection, blood flow to the genital is necessary. If one or more blood vessels have narrowed or are blocked, this would affect the blood flow, which in turn leads to sexual dysfunction.
Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating, particularly when you are not physical active or exercising, could be an early warning sign of clogged arteries. Pumping blood through clogged arteries requires extra effort from the heart. During this extra exertion, the body sweats more to help keep a normal body temperature.