{"id":3313,"date":"2019-01-11T06:21:45","date_gmt":"2019-01-11T06:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=3313"},"modified":"2021-08-10T02:54:35","modified_gmt":"2021-08-10T02:54:35","slug":"10-warning-symptoms-of-clogged-arteries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/10-warning-symptoms-of-clogged-arteries\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Warning Symptoms of Clogged Arteries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The arteries are a part of the circulatory system. These blood vessels transport oxygenated blood from the heart to every other part of your body, from the brain all the way down to the tips of the toes. In order for oxygenated blood to move through the arteries with ease, the interior walls of these blood vessels need to be smooth. However, a buildup of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries can result in a clog, which can minimize the flow of blood. If the buildup of plaque becomes severe enough, the arteries can become completely blocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the arteries are clogged, there is a chance that serious complications can develop, including stroke, heart attack, and even death. Because of the serious implications, being aware of the signs of clogged arteries is vital to your overall health and well being. Below, you\u2019ll find 10 signs that could be an indication of clogged arteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Chest pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most telling signs of clogged arteries is pain in the chest. If an artery is blocked or you are experiencing a heart attack<\/a>, you may experience odd sensations in the chest, including pain, pressure, and tightness. The feeling can last for a few minutes and then subside. It can occur when you are physically active; however, it can also develop when you are resting. If the discomfort lasts for only a few moments, or if it worsens when you push on the site, it likely isn\u2019t your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, if you experience any discomfort in your chest, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to rule out a serious condition. A comprehensive exam will determine the cause of the pain. If clogged arteries are to blame, your doctor will determine the best course of action to treat the condition that will help prevent a more serious problem in the future, such as a heart attack or a stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Pain in the Lower Back<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another sign that your arteries may be clogged is a pain in the lower back. Arteries <\/a>are located throughout the body, including the back, and the arteries in the back are often the first to become clogged. When the arteries in the back are clogged, blood flow is reduced, which can lead to several complications, including weakening of the disks that act a protective cushion between the vertebrae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, discs can become herniated and nerves can be pinched, causing a significant amount of pain. Studies have revealed that individuals who experience chronic back pain have a greater likelihood of having clogged arteries in their lumbar region. Therefore, if you are suffering from lower back pain, don\u2019t dismiss it; schedule an appointment with your doctor to rule out clogged arteries. Even if the cause of the pain is not related to your arteries, it\u2019s better to err on the side of caution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Hair Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hair loss<\/a> is not uncommon among men. Male pattern baldness is quite common, affecting an estimated 40 percent of young and middle-aged adult men, and approximated 80 percent of all men by the time they reach the age of 80. Often, hair loss in men is genetic; however, it may not be related to your genes at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather, it could actually be a sign that your arteries are clogged. A scientific study that examined roughly 37,000 men who suffered from extensive baldness starting at the crown of the head was a strong indicator of coronary heart disease (CHD), a condition that occurs as a result of excessive plaque build up along the walls of the arteries that reduces blood flow, known as coronary artery disease. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, don\u2019t dismiss it as a result of bad genes; see your doctor, as it could be a sign that your arteries are clogged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Erectile Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Impotence \u2013 the inability to achieve or maintain an erection \u2013 is a problem that can afflict men of all ages. Often, it is assumed to be the result of hormonal imbalances, stress<\/a>, or issues with the prostate; however, erectile dysfunction could also be a sign of clogged arteries. In order to achieve \u2013 and keep \u2013 an erection, a steady flow of blood has to flow to the penis. If one or more of your arteries (which are blood vessels) have narrowed or are completely blocked, it can impact your ability to become erect or stay erect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the heart pumps blood, it goes through arteries that are located throughout the body, including the penis. In order for blood to reach the penis, it has to go through the arteries that are located in the abdomen. When you are aroused, the arteries dilate, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. When your arteries are clogged, blood flow to the penis can be restricted or blocked, causing impotence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Palpitations in the Heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you feel as if your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, and pounding extremely hard, you are experiencing heart <\/a>palpitations, and it could be a sign that you have clogged arteries. Most people experience the sensations of heart palpitations at one point or another, and in many cases, they are associated with conditions that are considered benign (they aren\u2019t a major cause for concern.) Excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol could cause palpitations, as could not getting enough sleep, anemia, and taking certain types of medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, heart palpitations could most certainly be a sign of clogged arteries. When the walls of the arteries are narrowed or blocked, it becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood. The strain on the heart could result in abnormal beating. If you experience palpitations, you should seek the care of a medical professional to rule out clogged arteries as a cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yet another sign that your arteries may be clogged is shortness of breath. Medical researchers have discovered that people who experience shortness of breath that is not accompanied by chest pain could be at an increased risk of cardiac disease, including clogged arteries. A study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center assessed close to 18,000 people who were experiencing shortness of breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When compared to patients who did not experience shortness of breath, it was determined that those who did experience the symptom were more likely to die as a result of clogged arteries. Of the patients examined, more than 1,000 said that they experienced shortness of breath, but that they did not experience pain in their chest. The cause of this symptom <\/a>is not yet clear and further research is needed; however, if you find that you are winded easily \u2013 after walking a short distance, or even while you\u2019re at rest \u2013 it could be a sign that your arteries are clogged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Sweating While Sleeping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you find that you are covered in sweat and your sheets are drenched upon waking up, you should consider having a physical examination to rule out clogged arteries. When the walls of the arteries are partially clogged or completely blocked, the heart <\/a>has to work harder in order to pump blood through the walls of the arteries. The excessive work that your heart is being forced to do could end up making you sweat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are several other reasons why night sweats may occur, such as fluctuations in hormone levels, anxiety, high levels of stress, deficiencies in vital nutrients, and being overweight, clogged arteries could certainly cause night sweats. In addition to sweating excessively while sleeping, you may work up a tremendous amount of sweat after participating in minor physical activity, or even while you are at rest. Don\u2019t dismiss excessive sweating, as it could be a sign of a serious health problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. An Upset Stomach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Believe it or not, clogged arteries could end up affecting your gastrointestinal tract. The arteries pump oxygenated blood throughout all parts of the body, including your stomach<\/a>, intestines, and the various other elements of the gastrointestinal tract. If the arteries in this delicate system are clogged or completely blocked, the necessary amount of oxygenated blood is unable to make its way to this part of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, a side effect could be an upset stomach, indigestion, pain in the abdomen, and even vomiting. While an upset stomach can be a symptom that is associated with several other medical conditions, such as ulcers, it could certainly be an indication that your arteries are clogged. Schedule an appointment with your general practitioner for a comprehensive physical exam. If your doctor does find that your arteries are clogged, he or she can help determine the best course of action for treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Pain in the Lower Legs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Clogged arteries can also cause pain in your calves. Just like every other part of the body, the calves are filled with arteries, and the blood vessels <\/a>in this region are usually among the first experience a buildup of plaque. As that plaque buildup worsens over time, the walls of the arteries become more and more constricted, which makes it more difficult for blood to effectively flow throw them. When blood has a difficult time pushing its way through the arteries in the calves, pain in this region can result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you find that your lower legs are hurting after walking short distances or standing for a short period of time, or even while you are at rest, clogged arteries could be to blame. Like most of the symptoms associated with clogged arteries, pain in the calves may be a symptom of several other health conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (or DVT, a condition that also requires immediate medical care), partially or completely blocked arteries could be the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. A Light Head<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you feel as if you are very lightheaded after standing up, or if you experience the sudden onset of weakness, you may have develop a clog or a block in your arteries. If you feel dizzy, lose your coordination, and have a difficult time walking \u2013 or if you unexpectedly fall down \u2013 you may have an obstruction in the carotid arteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The carotid arteries transport blood to the brain\u2019s frontal lobe, the region that is responsible for balance, reasoning, and speech. Therefore, if there is a buildup of plaque in these arteries, it stands to reason that you could end up feeling lightheaded, dizzy, and confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other possible reasons for these symptoms include high blood sugar, anemia<\/a>, anxiety, vision difficulties, and neurological disorders; however, lightheadedness could definitely be an indication of clogged arteries. It is of utmost importance to see your doctor as soon as possible if you find that you are off-kilter or lightheaded to determine the cause of the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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