Clogged arteries aren’t something most of us think about daily, but they can sneak up on you, leading to serious health issues like heart attacks or strokes. The problem is that many people don’t realize their arteries are getting clogged until they’re in real trouble. However, our bodies often give us subtle hints before things get out of hand. Let’s get into some common signs that might indicate your arteries are clogged and what you can do to keep your heart in good shape.

1. You Get Chest Pain or Tightness That You Can’t Ignore

Chest pain is one of the biggest red flags when it comes to clogged arteries. Known as angina, this pain happens when your heart doesn’t get enough blood because of blockages. It might feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in your chest, and it can sometimes radiate to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.

Usually, this kind of pain shows up during physical activity or stress and goes away with rest. But don’t brush it off. According to the American Heart Association, angina could be a sign that a heart attack is on the horizon. If you’re feeling these kinds of chest pains, it’s time to see a doctor, pronto.

2. You’re Out of Breath Doing Things That Used to Be Easy

If you’re suddenly finding it hard to catch your breath doing things that never used to be a problem, it could be because your arteries are starting to narrow. When your heart struggles to pump blood through clogged arteries, your body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs, leading to shortness of breath.

This might not be super obvious at first, especially if you’re not doing anything too strenuous. But if you’re getting winded just walking up the stairs or carrying groceries, don’t ignore it. This could be your heart’s way of telling you it’s under pressure.

3. You Feel Pain in Your Legs or Feet When Walking

If your legs or feet start hurting when you walk or exercise, it might be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your limbs get clogged, causing pain, usually in your legs. This pain, known as claudication, tends to get better when you rest but comes back when you start moving again.

In more severe cases, PAD can cause coldness in your lower leg or foot, sores that won’t heal, or even gangrene. Harvard Health explains that PAD not only increases your odds of heart attacks and strokes but can also seriously affect your day-to-day life. If your legs are giving you grief, especially with other symptoms, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

4. You’re Having Trouble in the Bedroom

For men, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early sign that something’s up with your arteries. The blood vessels that supply the penis are smaller than those that supply the heart. Thus, they can get blocked earlier, even if you’re not noticing other symptoms yet.

ED can have a lot of causes, but when it’s tied to clogged arteries, it’s usually because of reduced blood flow. If you’ve noticed changes in your ability to perform, it might be time to have a chat with your doctor — not just about ED, but about your heart health, too.

5. You’re Always Feeling Worn Out

Feeling tired all the time, even when you’ve been getting enough rest, could be a sign of poor circulation due to clogged arteries. If your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, your body might feel constantly drained, no matter how much sleep you get.

This kind of fatigue isn’t just about needing a nap after a long day. It’s an ongoing, deep exhaustion that doesn’t seem to go away. Cleveland Clinic notes that persistent fatigue might mean your heart isn’t working as well as it should, so it’s something you should take seriously.

6. Your Blood Pressure Is Through the Roof

High blood pressure can be both a cause and a symptom of clogged arteries. When your arteries are narrowed or blocked, your heart has to pump harder to get blood through, which raises your blood pressure. Over time, this can damage your arteries, making the blockages even worse.

If your blood pressure readings are consistently high, you need to get them under control. According to StatPearls via the National Library of Medicine, managing your blood pressure can help prevent further artery damage and lower your risk of heart disease.

How to Protect Your Arteries and Keep Your Heart Healthy

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to take action. Here’s what you can do:

Get Checked Out: If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Make an appointment with your doctor. They might suggest tests like an ECG, stress test, or angiogram to see how your heart’s doing.
Eat for Your Heart: A diet packed with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help keep your arteries clear. Cut down on trans fats, sugars, and processed foods, which can do more harm than good.
Move More: Regular exercise helps improve circulation, lowers blood pressure, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, whether that’s walking, biking, or swimming.
Chill Out: Stress isn’t just in your head; it affects your heart, too. Find ways to manage stress, whether that’s through meditation, deep breathing, or just taking time for hobbies you love.
Quit Smoking: Smoking does a number on your arteries, making them more likely to get clogged. Kicking the habit is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
Keep an Eye on Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Keeping these in check is key to preventing artery blockages. Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help you out.

Wrapping It Up

Clogged arteries don’t happen overnight, and your body usually gives you a heads-up before things get critical. By paying attention to signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, ED, fatigue, and high blood pressure, you can take steps to keep your heart healthy.

Don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you. If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your doctor and take charge of your heart health before it’s too late.