Coronary artery disease (CAD), often referred to as clogged arteries, is the number one reason for deaths in the U.S., as indicated by 2023 research findings. National Institutes of Health (NIH) . This type of heart disease makes up roughly 25% of all fatalities, equivalent to around 610,000 individuals annually.
The primary aim for physicians is to stop heart disease in patients, yet identifying it at an early stage ranks as the second-best alternative. Such identification can prompt adjustments in lifestyle and medication that might postpone or even prevent a heart attack altogether; nearly 80% of heart diseases could be avoided through modifications in one's way of life.
If you're worried about heart disease, it's time to discover some lesser-known indicators of blocked arteries and heart issues.
What causes clogged arteries?
"Clogged arteries, also referred to as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), result from the accumulation of fatty deposits within the arterial walls," clarifies Ashish Sarraju, MD , a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic. If not addressed, this ASCVD can progress to coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death among Americans.
Edwin Homan, MD, PhD, FACC a cardiologist affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine states that these blockages in the arteries typically arise from:
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
He points out that certain individuals face a greater likelihood of having blocked arteries due to genetic traits In addition to smoking, various lifestyle elements like lack of exercise and consuming foods rich in saturated fats can elevate an individual’s likelihood of developing blocked arteries, known as atherosclerosis.
Therefore, how do these risk factors lead to clogged arteries?
"At a microscopic scale, blocked arteries typically arise due to the accumulation of fatty, cholesterol-laden plaque within blood vessels," says Dr. Homan. "A high concentration of cholesterol-containing particles in the bloodstream tends to become trapped in the arterial walls, forming such deposits." Additionally, elevated blood pressure can push these cholesterol-filled particles into the artery walls, leading to blockages.
He explains, "Inflammation may lead to an increased vulnerability of blood vessels to plaque accumulation and blockages." He adds, "Triggers for this vascular inflammation include cigarette smoke, elevated blood glucose levels due to diabetes, or specific autoimmune disorders."
Quiet indicators of blocked blood vessels
"Clogged arteries typically develop gradually over several months to years," explains Dr. Homan, adding that this condition known as ASCVD generally progresses slowly and is accompanied by increasing discomfort during physical activity. "Nevertheless, clogged arteries may also form rapidly when a blood clot develops at a partly blocked artery leading to complete obstruction." Should such an event occur within a coronary artery—it becomes a myocardial infarction or heart attack. heart attack .
These are indicators of blocked arteries you should watch for.
1. Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Men possess an inherent alert mechanism for silent congenital heart disease (CHD). Struggling with erectile dysfunction may indicate blocked arteries in the pelvic region, which could precede a heart attack.
Typically, there are anywhere from three to five years between the beginning of erectile dysfunction (ED) and the diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD), providing ample opportunity to identify and take steps to prevent cardiovascular problems.
If you and your partner have concerns about sexual performance, it makes sense to address and resolve the underlying issues related to clogged arteries rather than immediately opting for an erectile dysfunction medication like Viagra.
2. Pain in the calves while walking
Calf pain might indicate a blocked artery in the affected leg, particularly if it intensifies during walking and subsides with rest," explains Dr. Homan. This occurs because muscles require less oxygen when you're resting, which enhances blood circulation.
The discomfort resulting from inadequate blood circulation—which is formally referred to as claudication—can manifest as a cramp-like or achy feeling, similar to what one might experience after doing strenuous activity the previous day, according to Dr. Homan. Typically, one leg feels more painful than the other, yet both legs might experience equal discomfort.
He mentions that occasionally individuals may experience foot pain, particularly when lying down, with some relief upon dangling their legs over the edge of the bed. "This could indicate a significant blockage in an artery of the leg and warrants immediate attention from a healthcare professional."
3. Tight jaw
Tightness in the jaw is more frequent among women; however, men ought to stay vigilant as well. Discomfort and soreness in the jaw and neck can indicate angina, characterized by pain due to insufficient blood supply to parts of the heart muscle. This pain arises since the vagus nerve—the primary conduit for transmitting these pain signals from the heart—extends through areas including the neck, jaw, head, and left arm.
Go see your physician to determine whether your jaw discomfort is due to a minor issue like tooth clenching, or if it's something requiring careful monitoring.
4. Lower back pain
Your lower back pain may not merely indicate aging muscles.
As stated by the Physicians Community for Responsible Medicine, the lower back frequently experiences the buildup of plaque as one of the initial areas affected within the body. A 2024 analysis of studies revealed this phenomenon. Brain and Spine indicates that when plaque buildup leads to inadequate blood supply to your spine, the spinal discs become weak and swollen—and studies show that the lumbar discs (the ones located in your lower back) are especially impacted.
Lumbar disc degeneration and inflammation can lead to lower back pain independently. However, they also heighten the likelihood of experiencing a herniated disc or tearing a tendon or muscle.
5. Smoking habit
The substances in tobacco harm the architecture and operation of your blood vessels and impair your heart’s functionality. This impairment raises your likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, as stated by the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute.
Indeed, the physical harm caused by long-term smoking and the indications of blocked arteries often occur together, as stated by Dr. Sarraju. "The typical symptoms of ASCVD are similar—they include chest pain, pressure, or discomfort during physical activity (it doesn’t have to be exclusively on the left side), shortness of breath when active, or discomfort in the jaw or arms during exercise," he explains. If you smoke and encounter these issues, it's quite likely that your arteries might also be gradually accumulating plaque without noticeable warning.
This is why one of the most effective actions you can take to lower your CHD risk (as well as improve your general wellbeing) is to quit smoking .
Additional indications of blocked arteries
Mild Atherosclerosis frequently does not produce any symptoms, as stated by the source. NIH However, as plaque builds up, decreasing the quantity of oxygenated blood reaching your tissues and organs, this can lead to consequences across your entire system.
Dr. Sarraju notes that atherosclerosis symptoms tend to be worsened by exertion and may not always present as symptoms classically associated with heart problems (such as shortness of breath or chest pain.) Occasionally, heart blockages might manifest with atypical signs like nausea or pain in the upper abdomen instead of chest discomfort.
According to the NIH, atherosclerosis may also lead to:
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Discomfort in the buttocks, thigh, or foot (excluding your calf)
- Vision problems
- Difficulty with cognition and recall
- Frequent diarrhea, intense abdominal pain after eating, or unexplained weight loss
The appearance of specific symptoms may vary based on which part of your body has atherosclerosis—for instance, whether it’s affecting the arteries serving your heart muscles, those providing blood to your brain and spinal cord, or those going towards your digestive system.
When should you consult a physician?
"It's advisable to consult your physician immediately if you encounter new symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or persistent muscle spasms when walking uphill or ascending stairs," according to Dr. Homan.
Dr. Sarraju points out that since blocked arteries can impact various parts of the body differently, he advises, "If you experience symptoms that appear during physical activity or those that limit your ability to exercise, as well as any new worrying signs without an obvious cause, it’s wise to get checked." Additionally, he emphasizes, "This is particularly important if you possess risk factors associated with heart disease."
However, certain indications of blocked arteries are more alarming and necessitate immediate medical attention, according to Dr. Sarraju, like intense chest pain or difficulty breathing that persists even when resting. Besides these critical indicators, Dr. Homan notes that pain in the jaw or left shoulder, along with feelings of nausea and excessive perspiration, could also signal a heart attack.
“He explains that a comparable process might affect the leg artery, leading to severe pain in the legs or feet; additionally, one foot could feel cooler than the other. In both scenarios, these are critical conditions that demand an urgent call to 911 for prompt medical care.”
What methods do physicians use to detect blocked arteries?
“ Several subtleties factor into deciding whether to conduct tests for ASCVD and, if yes, how exactly to proceed," explains Dr. Sarraju. "Typically, indications such as chest pain or difficulty breathing during physical activity prompt an assessment for blocked arteries."
These evaluations might consist of electrocardiograms (referred to as ECGs or EKGs), echocardiograms, stress tests, CT coronary angiography scans, and cardiac catheterizations. "Precisely which test is conducted, and indeed whether testing is necessary at all, will be decided by the attending physician, depending on which examination is expected to yield the most beneficial data for enhancing health safely."
At other times, arterial plaque might be discovered "by chance" because of scans performed for different reasons. For instance, a CT scan of the chest conducted to examine the lungs could reveal calcified plaques within the coronary arteries—the vessels feeding the heart—according to Dr. Sarraju. This unexpected finding can aid in enhancing preventative measures.
Ways to address blocked arteries
"Many of the early tests aim to determine whether a patient could gain advantage from reopening an artery that may be blocked," explains Dr. Homan.
Occasionally, an artery may be only partly blocked and does not substantially impede blood circulation within the artery. In such instances, the situation can typically be handled with heart-healthy dietary improvements , enhanced physical activity, and/or specific medications."
If preliminary tests indicate that an artery is blocked or that a significant portion of muscle nourished by that artery might be harmed, your physician could request an angiogram. This procedure provides a closer look at the blood circulation within the artery, as clarified by Dr. Homan.
If the obstruction is verified, a stent or balloon might be suggested to reopen the blocked artery internally with tiny plastic tubes," he explains. "In more serious instances, a surgical bypass operation could be advised.
Why you should not overlook symptoms of blocked arteries
If blocked arteries remain untreated, they can result in a heart attack, heart failure, limb amputation, and potentially death in extreme instances," warns Dr. Homan. Additionally, various other health problems may occur based on the location of the blockage within your body.
A clog in the arteries that lead to your heart can trigger an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or a heart attack—and in more severe cases, heart failure. In addition:
- When a blood clot impedes the flow of blood to the brain, it may lead to a stroke.
- When tissues do not get sufficient oxygenated blood because of a blocked artery, it may lead to tissue death, commonly referred to as gangrene.
- A blood clot that restricts the arteries delivering blood to your kidneys may result in chronic kidney disease.
Furthermore, atherosclerosis typically reaches an advanced stage before symptoms become noticeable—which makes it crucial not to overlook these warning signs. If blocked arteries are identified at an early stage, numerous dietary and medical interventions can be employed to address the issue effectively.
Ways to avoid blocked arteries
“We should focus on stopping clogged arteries from forming initially rather than dealing with them afterward,” Dr. Homan states. “The emphasis must be on prevention!”
Dr. Sarraju emphasizes that grasping your vulnerability to atherosclerosis and heart disease is crucial for preventing these conditions. "Visit your doctor and focus on improving risk factors," he advises. "Key elements encompass nutrition, physical activity, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes management, weight control, tobacco use, and even sleep quality."
"If you have a familial history of heart disease occurring at a young age, it’s advisable to consult your doctor to assess these risk factors and address them as soon as possible, ensuring you begin managing them early," states Dr. Sarraju.
Ways to avoid blocked arteries and enhance cardiovascular well-being encompass:
- Following a heart-friendly eating plan and reducing intake of saturated fats, sugars, and processed items.
- Obtaining at minimum 30 minutes of daily physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing your stress levels
- Not smoking—and if you smoke, stop
- Getting your blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol routinely monitored—and if medications have been prescribed by your physician, make sure to take them as directed.
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