Imagine a garden pipe used to water plants for years, and then the inside of it starts to collect dirt, and now the watering is no longer smooth. Similarly, in the case of artery blockage, blood flow is limited, and in severe cases, the artery may be completely blocked, resulting in serious health effects such as heart attacks and brain strokes.
But you know that before this health emergency occurs, the body shows many subtle and prominent symptoms. By paying attention to the symptoms, such a serious medical condition can be avoided.
Before discussing the symptoms, this is a medical expert’s evaluation of the risk factors and causes of arteries blocking and their consequences.
In addition to veins and capillaries, arteries are one of the three types of blood vessels in the body. The main function of the artery is to deliver blood from the heart to other organs, while the veins bring deoxygenated blood from the tissue back to the heart. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels connected to arteries and veins.
Main arteries
Some of the most important arteries include the coronary arteries that provide oxygen-rich blood directly to the myocardium. The carotid artery is located on both sides of the neck and delivers blood to the brain. The femoral artery flows down from each leg, providing blood to the lower limbs, while the renal artery brings blood to the kidneys. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, starting from the heart and then branching outward to all major organs. Dr. Anuj Kapadiya, senior consultant cardiologist at AIG Hospital in Hyderabad, elaborated on the causes, risk factors and symptoms of arterial blockage.
Risk factors
Over time, substances such as fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other particles in the blood may begin to stick to the inner wall of the artery. This accumulation is called plaque. As plaques accumulate, the inside of the artery will make the blood narrower and narrower. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity are still at a higher risk.
Fatal consequences
Dr Varsha Koul, senior consultant cardiologist at Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre in New Delhi, “If the heart (coronary artery) is blocked, it may cause chest pain or heart attack, while the disorder of the bone artery can cause brain disorders. Similarly, kidney failure may occur if the kidney does not have enough blood in the renal artery.
symptom
Symptoms depend on whether closure occurs gradually or suddenly and the artery blocked organs. Elaborating, Dr Kapadiya, says, “Early signs may include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath during light activity, or indigestion-like disappointment. Some people feel coldness or numbness on their hands or feet or notice that wounds (especially on the legs or feet) take longer to heal. Other signs might include leg pain while walking, sudden vision problems and even unusual pain in the jaw, neck or shoulders, Particularly in women.
The symptoms later are more obvious, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe leg pain or stroke symptoms such as confusion, dizziness and speech. ”
Test
Detection of arterial blockage begins with observing symptoms or routine health checks. If a person complains of chest discomfort, shortness of breath or fatigue, it is recommended to use a test like an electrocardiogram (ECG) to view the rhythm or stress test of the heart to see how the heart performs under fatigue. Echocardiography uses ultrasound to take pictures of the heart, while more advanced imaging, such as CT angiography or coronary angiography, can give a clearer understanding of the obstacle.
A healthy way
“Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, millions, lean proteins (fish or chicken), and healthy fats (ghee and nuts for example) can make a huge difference. Regular exercise, including walking, swimming or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day keeps blood vessels flexible and promotes good circuitry. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and managing stress through yoga, meditation or some hobbies are cruel. Regular check-ups to monitor cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels help resolve the problem early, and cholesterol with risk factors should also be tested.” Dr. Kapadiya added.
