10 Alarming Signs Your Arteries Are Clogged—And You Don’t Even Know It

Clogged arteries are dangerous and can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure and heart attacks. But how can you tell if your arteries are clogged before it becomes a serious issue? Pay attention to your body—these are signs you might have clogged arteries without realizing it.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. They send blood to your brain, organs, muscles, and even the tips of your fingers and toes. Healthy arteries have smooth walls, allowing blood to flow freely. However, clogged arteries have plaque buildup that slows or blocks blood flow, which can lead to heart attacks.

Knowing the early signs of clogged arteries is important so you can take action before they become dangerous. The good news is that lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise can help. If the blockage is severe or if you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may prescribe medication. If you notice any of these 10 signs, see a doctor to get checked.

Nausea is a common symptom of many health issues. It’s your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Feeling sick to your stomach doesn’t necessarily mean you have clogged arteries, but if it happens often, talk to your doctor.

Chest pain, also called angina, happens when the arteries leading to your heart are blocked. It often starts in the chest and can spread to the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or upper back. If you feel tightness or pain in your chest, especially if it keeps happening, see a doctor right away.

If you feel short of breath, it could mean your lung arteries are blocked. It’s normal to feel out of breath after exercise, but if it happens often, even when resting, it could be a sign of clogged arteries. A doctor can help determine the cause.

If blood flow to the brain is reduced due to clogged carotid arteries (the arteries in the neck), it can cause weakness or numbness on one side of the body. These arteries carry blood to the brain, eyes, and face. If you suddenly feel weak or numb on one side, seek medical help immediately.

Slurred speech can be caused by many health conditions, including blocked carotid arteries. If these arteries can’t deliver enough blood to the brain or tongue, speech may become difficult. If you or someone you know experiences slurred speech suddenly, seek medical attention.

Blocked carotid arteries can also lead to vision loss in one or both eyes. If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or you have trouble seeing, it could be a warning sign of clogged arteries. Visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Leg pain can have many causes, but one of them is clogged peripheral arteries, which are the arteries in your legs and arms. If you have pain in one leg for no clear reason, it could mean there is a blockage reducing blood flow.

Poor blood circulation due to clogged arteries can make your feet feel unusually cold. If your feet are constantly cold and there’s no other explanation, it might be due to restricted blood flow in your legs. A doctor can help diagnose the issue.

Just like cold feet, slow-healing wounds may indicate that blood is not flowing properly to the lower body. When blood can’t reach injuries, they take longer to heal. If you notice cuts or sores on your feet that won’t heal, see a doctor.

If your heart starts beating faster, fluttering, or pounding for no reason, it might be due to poor blood circulation. These palpitations may last a few seconds or minutes and can sometimes be felt in the neck or throat. If this happens often, check with a doctor.

Recognizing the symptoms of clogged arteries can help protect your health. Awareness and early action can prevent serious problems. If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them—talk to a doctor and take your health seriously.

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor for any health concerns or symptoms. Never ignore medical advice or delay treatment based on what you read here.