What are the early warning signs of Blocked Arteries?
Blocked arteries can be dangerous if they prevent blood from reaching essential organs like the heart or brain. However, the symptoms of clogged arteries aren’t often visible until they develop a possibly deadly condition such as a heart attack or stroke. Sometimes the only way to examine whether your arteries are blocked is to have a screening test like a carotid Doppler ultrasound. These screening tests can help determine blockages that might put you at risk of having a stroke. However, regular heart check-ups and screening tests available at Paras hospital Gurgaon can help you prevent the risk of heart attack & stroke.
Although specialists are unsure of the specific cause of the clogged arteries, the process appears to be caused by damage to the artery wall lining. This injury, which allows plaque deposition, can occur as a result of:
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What factor causes blocked arteries?
Although specialists are unsure of the specific cause of the clogged arteries, the process appears to be caused by damage to the artery wall lining. This injury, which allows plaque deposition, can occur as a result of:
- Increased cholesterol level – High cholesterol levels are considered “bad cholesterol,” and low levels are known as “good cholesterol.” High “bad” cholesterol levels, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are key factors in developing arterial plaque. But it isn’t the full tale. Everyone contains “good” cholesterol, commonly known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), in their blood. HDL is thought to transfer some of the harmful cholesterol form plaque in blocked arteries back to the liver, where it is removed.
- High Blood pressure – High blood pressure accelerates the formation of arterial plaque. It also contributes to the hardening of blocked arteries.
- Tobacco smoke – Cigarette smoking appears to speed up the development of CVD in the arteries of the heart, legs, and the aorta, the body’s biggest artery.
- Diabetes – Diabetes, or high circulating blood sugar levels, is another key contributor. Even persons with high glucose but not diabetes, such as those with metabolic syndrome, are at greater risk of plaque development.
- Family history – Other risk factors include a family history of heart disease, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. It is essential to understand your family history of any chronic disease.
What are the symptoms of an artery blockage?
When your coronary arteries become narrowed, plaque in the arteries buildup, your heart may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. As plaque builds up in the arteries, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain – You may have significant pressure or tightness in your chest, particularly with physical efforts such as manual labor or Exercise. This type of discomfort, known as angina, usually occurs in the middle of the chest. Angina can also spread to the neck or shoulder and down the armor to the mid-back. While the discomfort normally subsides within minutes of ceasing the Exercise, it should not be ignored.
- Shortness of breath – If your heart isn’t pumping enough blood, you’ll get exhausted and short of breath rapidly.
- Fatigue – You may realize that you are fatigued more than usual or tired easily during physical Exercise.
- Heart Attack – A clogged coronary artery can cause a heart attack if left untreated. Crushing pressure in your chest and discomfort or tingling in your shoulder, arm, or neck are classic symptoms of a heart attack. You may also experience shortness of breath and overheating.
Some people experience no symptoms before a heart attack. Others have a quiet heart attack, which means they are unaware of the incident. Seeing your doctor at least once a year might help you determine whether you are at risk of developing CAD.
Is it possible to get a test for blocked arteries?
Yes. There are numerous tests available to diagnose blocked arteries. Your doctor will decide which tests to order based on your symptoms and medical history. A health doctor can perform the following tests:
- Cholesterol Screening
- Chest X-Ray
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
- An echocardiogram and a heart stress test may be performed.
- Electrocardiogram
- PET or MRI scanning
- Angiogram
How is arterial plaque or blocked arteries treated?
Clogged arteries can be prevented and treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor’s recommendations for reducing arterial plaque and preventing blocked arteries will be based on the severity of your disease and your medical history. Your doctor may advise you to take one or more of the following medications:
Lifestyle modifications – A healthy lifestyle is vital for treating blocked arteries and controlling arterial plaque. This includes the following:
- Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, high in fruits and vegetables, and low in sweets and simple carbs.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- quitting Smoke
- Regular physical activity or Exercise
- Controlling stress levels
- Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- Keeping blood sugar levels low
Interventional or surgical techniques – Surgery is required in some cases to repair blocked arteries and prevent further arterial plaque formation. Among these procedures are:
- Stent placement – To ensure appropriate blood flow, a tiny tube called a stent, which may carry medication, can be put in an artery. A heart surgeon may insert a catheter to access the heart through the leg artery, and a stent is inserted through the catheter at the blockage region.
- Bypass surgery – During this procedure, arteries from other parts of the body are shifted to bypass congested arteries and assist oxygen-rich blood in reaching its goal.
- Balloon Angioplasty – This operation aids in the opening of clogged arteries that have been partially or completely blocked by using a device that pushes the plaque to the sidewalls of the arteries.
Medicines – A variety of medicines may help manage some of the conditions that lead to arterial plaque buildup. These are some examples:
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Aspirin and other blood-thinning medications that reduce the risk of serious blood clot development
How to get help – warning signs of Blocked arteries
If you are experiencing any symptoms related to blocked arteries, it is vital to get medical assistance as soon as possible. You can consult a cardiac care specialist at Paras hospital Gurgaon for the early diagnosis and best possible treatment.
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