Blocked heart arteries, known as coronary artery disease, can cause serious problems if not found early. When your heart arteries are blocked, your heart does not get enough blood. This article explains six early signs that may show your heart arteries are blocked. Knowing these signs can help you get treatment before the problem becomes worse.

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain is one of the main signs of blocked heart arteries. Many medical practitioners call this pain “angina.” You might feel pressure, squeezing, or tightness in your chest. The pain may start when you are active or when you feel stressed. When you rest, the pain may go away. Although not all chest pain comes from blocked arteries, it is a sign you should not ignore. If the pain lasts for more than a few minutes or comes on without warning, you must see a doctor right away.

2. Shortness of Breath

Another early sign is shortness of breath. When your heart arteries are blocked, your heart works hard to pump blood. This can make it hard for you to breathe, even during light activities like walking or climbing stairs. If you notice that you are getting short of breath more often, it might mean that your heart is not getting enough blood. While many problems can cause shortness of breath, if you see this sign with other symptoms, it is important to have your heart checked by a doctor.

3. Fatigue or Weakness

Feeling very tired or weak can be another sign. When your heart struggles to pump blood because of blocked arteries, you may feel low on energy. This fatigue can happen even if you are not doing much. At first, you might feel a little tired, but as the blockage grows, the tiredness can become more severe.

4. Irregular Heartbeats

Your heart might beat in a strange way when its arteries are blocked. This is called an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Instead of a steady beat, your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or skip a beat. Some people feel this as a flutter or a pounding sensation in their chest. This irregular beating happens because the heart does not get enough oxygen. If you notice changes in your heartbeat, such as feeling a racing heart or skipping beats, you should tell your doctor. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can check if your heart is beating normally.

5. Pain in the Neck, Jaw, Shoulder, or Arms

Blocked heart arteries can sometimes cause pain in other parts of the body. You might feel pain in your neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms. This pain might not be very strong at first. It is not the usual kind of pain from a muscle strain or arthritis. If this pain happens along with chest pain or other signs, it may mean that your heart is not getting enough blood. Do not ignore this pain. Tell your doctor if you feel pain in these areas, especially when you are active.

6. Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Another sign is feeling dizzy or lightheaded. When your heart arteries are blocked, the brain may not get enough blood. This can make you feel like you might faint or pass out. Dizziness can happen suddenly. While many issues can cause dizziness, when you feel it along with chest pain or shortness of breath, it could be a sign of blocked heart arteries.

What You Can Do

If you see any of these early signs, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may do tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, or imaging tests. These tests help show how well your heart is working and if your arteries are blocked. Early treatment can help lower the chance of a heart attack and other serious problems.

You can also help protect your heart by making healthy choices. Here are some steps you can take:

Eat a healthy diet: Choose foods low in fat and salt. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly: Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Do not smoke: Smoking harms your heart and blood vessels.
Control other health problems: Manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes with the help of your doctor.

Takeaway

Blocked heart arteries can lead to a heart attack if they are not treated. If you notice chest pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, irregular heartbeats, pain in your neck or arms, or dizziness, do not wait. See your doctor to get the tests you need.