Blocked Arteries (Arterial Blockage)
What Are Blocked Arteries?
Causes of Blocked Arteries
The main cause of arterial blockage is plaque buildup, which consists of:
✅ Cholesterol (bad LDL cholesterol clogs arteries)
✅ Fat Deposits from unhealthy foods
✅ Calcium Deposits that harden artery walls
✅ Inflammation from stress, high blood pressure, or infections
Other risk factors include:
✔ High Blood Pressure – Damages artery walls
✔ High Cholesterol – Leads to fatty deposits in arteries
✔ Diabetes – Increases plaque formation
✔ Smoking – Causes artery damage and thickens blood
✔ Obesity – Leads to excess fat in the bloodstream
✔ Lack of Exercise – Slows circulation and weakens heart health
✔ Unhealthy Diet – High-fat, high-sugar foods promote plaque buildup
✔ Genetics – Family history increases risk
✔ Chronic Stress – Triggers inflammation in blood vessels
Symptoms of Blocked Arteries
Symptoms depend on which artery is blocked:
🔴 Blocked Heart Arteries (Coronary Arteries)
❗ Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
❗ Shortness of breath
❗ Fatigue
❗ Heart palpitations
❗ Dizziness or nausea
🧠 Blocked Brain Arteries (Carotid Arteries)
❗ Memory problems
❗ Difficulty speaking or understanding
❗ Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs (stroke symptoms)
🦵 Blocked Leg Arteries (Peripheral Artery Disease – PAD)
❗ Leg pain while walking
❗ Numbness or weakness in the legs
❗ Slow-healing wounds on feet
Treatment Options for Blocked Arteries
🔹 Lifestyle Changes (First Step to Recovery!)
✔ Healthy Diet – Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
✔ Regular Exercise – 30 minutes of walking or light jogging daily
✔ Quit Smoking – Reduces further artery damage
✔ Maintain Healthy Weight – Helps control cholesterol and blood pressure
✔ Manage Stress – Meditation and deep breathing exercises
🔹 Medications
💊 Statins – Lower cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup
💊 Aspirin – Thins blood to prevent clots
💊 Blood Pressure Medications – Keep arteries relaxed and open
💊 Diabetes Medications – Control blood sugar levels
🔹 Medical Procedures (If Needed)
🩺 Angioplasty & Stenting – A small tube is inserted to widen the artery
💓 Bypass Surgery – A new path is created to bypass the blockage
💉 Atherectomy – Removes plaque from arteries
Diagnosis of Blocked Arteries
🩺 Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Checks heart rhythm abnormalities
🚴 Stress Test – Monitors heart activity during exercise
🩻 Angiography – Uses dye and X-rays to see blockages
🩸 Blood Tests – Checks cholesterol and sugar levels
What to Avoid If You Have Blocked Arteries?
❌ No Smoking & Alcohol – Increases artery damage
❌ Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle – Stay active, don’t sit for long hours
❌ Limit Stress – Reduce mental and emotional pressure
❌ Don’t Ignore Symptoms – Seek medical help if you feel discomfort