You might expect something as serious as clogged arteries to come with clear warning signs. But that’s not always the case.
In fact, many people don’t realize anything is wrong until it becomes a major problem. Left untreated, clogged arteries can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious complications.
“Clogged arteries can sneak up on people because the signs are often subtle at first,” says Saurabh Joshi, MD, a cardiologist with Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute. “That’s why knowing what to look for is so important.”
Here are seven warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Chest pain or pressure
For many people, this is the symptom that raises immediate concern, and for good reason. Chest discomfort is one of the most common signs that something may be wrong with your heart.
“Chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure, heaviness or squeezing, can indicate that your heart isn’t getting enough blood flow,” says Dr. Joshi.
You might notice it during physical activity, emotional stress or even after a heavy meal. If the feeling eases with rest, that’s an especially important clue.
> Related: 7 Easy Ways to Protect Your Heart as You Age
2. Shortness of breath
Maybe you find yourself pausing halfway up the stairs. Or you feel winded doing something that used to feel easy, like walking across a parking lot.
“When arteries are clogged, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This may make you feel out of breath much sooner than you used to,” Dr. Joshi notes.
Shortness of breath can show up on its own or alongside chest discomfort. Either way, it’s your body’s way of signaling that your heart may be under strain.
> Related: 10 Foods That Can Prevent Clogged Arteries
3. Fatigue
We all get tired sometimes. But if fatigue is constant and hard to explain, your heart could be struggling.
You might notice that everyday tasks, like grocery shopping or light housework, suddenly feel draining.
“Clogged arteries can limit the oxygen supply to your body, making even small tasks feel exhausting,” says Dr. Joshi.
Because it’s so easy to blame on stress or poor sleep, fatigue is often overlooked. But in some cases, it’s one of the earliest signs that your heart isn’t keeping up.
> Related: Why You Always Feel Tired — Even After 8 Hours of Sleep
4. Pain in your arms, neck or jaw
Heart-related pain doesn’t always stay in your chest. In fact, it can travel, and that’s where things can get confusing.
“Sometimes heart pain radiates to the arms, neck, jaw or even the back,” says Dr. Joshi. “This can be especially true for women.”
You might feel a dull ache, tightness or discomfort in these areas, especially during activity or stress. Because it doesn’t feel like “typical” heart pain, many people ignore it.
But if this kind of discomfort keeps happening, it’s worth paying attention.
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5. Dizziness or lightheadedness
That sudden woozy feeling when you stand up or move too quickly might not seem like a big deal. But if it happens often, it could point to something more.
“When arteries are narrowed, your brain may not get the oxygen it needs, which can leave you feeling dizzy or off balance,” Dr. Joshi notes.
Occasional dizziness probably isn’t something to worry about – but if it keeps happening, it may be your circulation trying to tell you something.
> Related: Why Do I Feel Dizzy When I Stand Up?
6. Cold hands and feet
If your hands or feet are always cold, even when others feel comfortable, your circulation might not be keeping up.
Poor blood flow can make your extremities feel chilly, numb or even slightly tingly.
“If your hands and feet often feel unusually cold or numb, that can be a sign that arteries are blocked and blood isn’t reaching where it needs to,” says Dr. Joshi.
Because it seems minor, this symptom is easy to dismiss. But it can be an early signal that your blood vessels are struggling.
> Related: Why Heart Attack Risk Increases 30 Percent in Winter Cold
7. Erectile dysfunction
This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about heart health, but it’s more connected than you’d expect.
“Erectile dysfunction in men can be an early warning sign of clogged arteries, sometimes years before heart symptoms appear,” says Dr. Joshi.
That’s because erections depend on healthy blood flow. When arteries are narrowed, it can affect circulation throughout the body, not just in the heart.
> Related: 3 Health Conditions That Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction
When in doubt, see a doctor
Clogged arteries aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, they show up as subtle changes that are easy to overlook.
“The earlier we catch blocked arteries, the better the outcomes,” says Dr. Joshi. “If you notice any of these signs, especially in combination, talk to your doctor.”
Your heart may be trying to tell you something. The sooner you listen, the better.
