Signs of a Blocked Artery
If you have a blocked artery within your heart, you may be suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) 2. This disease is caused by the build-up of cholesterol and fatty plaques within the arteries, a condition referred to as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can interfere with the blood flow to the heart by causing narrowing or blockage of the arteries. If the heart does not receive enough oxygenated blood, it will not function normally, which can lead to a heart attack. People with CAD can develop signs that indicate an artery within the heart is blocked.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Angina
Angina is the most common symptom of a blocked artery in people with CAD. People with angina typically report experiencing discomfort or pain within the center of the chest. This pain can sometimes be described as a sensation of heaviness, numbness, tightness, aching or burning within the chest. Chest pain can also spread to other regions of the body if you develop a blocked artery. Your chest pain can radiate into the arms, back, stomach, neck or jaw. If you develop symptoms of angina, seek emergency medical care immediately because this condition is also a sign of a heart attack.
- Angina is the most common symptom of a blocked artery in people with CAD.
- Chest pain can also spread to other regions of the body if you develop a blocked artery.
Difficulty Breathing
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If you develop a blocked artery within the heart, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains that breathing difficulties can also occur 1. If you experience shortness of breath, walking up a flight of stairs or performing normal daily activities can be difficult. If your heart does not receive an adequate supply of blood, fluid can begin to build up within your lungs and cause significant breathing problems. Seek emergency medical care if you have breathing difficulties because this is also a symptom of heart failure and heart attack.
- If you develop a blocked artery within the heart, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains that breathing difficulties can also occur 1.
- If you experience shortness of breath, walking up a flight of stairs or performing normal daily activities can be difficult.
Nausea
Certain people who develop a blockage within an artery of the heart experience nausea as a consequence of this condition. Additional gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain or vomiting can also occur in some people.
Dizziness
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A blocked artery within the heart prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the brain. If this occurs, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or loss of consciousness can occur in certain people. Extreme weakness or anxiety can also be a sign of a blocked artery in certain instances. If you develop any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
- A blocked artery within the heart prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the brain.
- If this occurs, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or loss of consciousness can occur in certain people.
Irregular Heartbeat
A rapid or abnormal heartbeat could be an indication that you have a blocked artery within your heart. If your heart is not receiving enough blood due to the blockage, it will start pumping faster to try to bring more blood into the heart. A rapid heart rate could also cause you to experience dizziness or chest pain. Contact your doctor if you notice a change in your heart rate.
- A rapid or abnormal heartbeat could be an indication that you have a blocked artery within your heart.
- Contact your doctor if you notice a change in your heart rate.
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References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
- Cleveland Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease - Symptoms
- University of Southern California: A Patient's Guide to Heart Surgery - Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
- Authors/Task Force members, Windecker S, Kolh P, et al. 2014 ESC/EACTS Guidelines on myocardial revascularization: The Task Force on Myocardial Revascularization of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)Developed with the special contribution of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI). Eur Heart J 2014; 35:2541.
- Farooq V, van Klaveren D, Steyerberg EW, et al. Anatomical and clinical characteristics to guide decision making between coronary artery bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention for individual patients: development and validation of SYNTAX score II. Lancet 2013; 381:639.
Writer Bio
Rae Uddin has worked as a freelance writer and editor since 2004. She specializes in scientific journalism and medical and technical writing. Her work has appeared in various online publications. Uddin earned her Master of Science in integrated biomedical sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biochemistry from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.