Signs of blocked arteries are all around us virtually all the time. Most with mild signs of blocked arteries probably don't recognize that there could be a larger problem looming if proactive steps aren't taken to reverse the condition. Occasionally, when signs of blockage become more serious people ignore them choosing not to take action for a myriad of reasons both personal and private. In this article we will talk a little about what actually causes the blockage to occur in the first place and then get right into the signs of blocked arteries that everyone should be aware of.
The cause
Arteries are tube like. They have the ability to expand and contract, carry life giving blood and oxygen to every cell in our bodies. The inner lining of these life giving tubes is smooth allowing blood, cholesterol, white blood cells, and an number of other substances to flow freely through our bodies without incident. But when the arterial lining becomes damaged, from such things as high levels of cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, or homocysteine amino acids a series of events are started in motion.
The first is the body recognizing that there has been damage and dispatching white blood cells to patch up the problem. The patch will be made up of a foam like substance consisting mainly of cholesterol. But what happens over time is that this path tends to attract additional cholesterol, dead cells, blood stream trash, and in the latter stages calcium. If allowed to go unchecked this deposit will eventually grow to a point where blood flow is reduced and hardening starts to take place due to the calcium. The obstruction is known as a plaque deposit and once it has produced 70 percent blockage signs will often start to be seen. Additionally, part of this plaque deposit could break off, lodging in a smaller vein or artery producing an embolism.
The signs
Where the blockage occurs will determine the signs. If the plaque deposit is reducing blood flow to the heart a tightness in the middle of the chest will be felt. This is known in medical terms as angina and those in denial will often simply write it off to a bad case of indigestion. Complicating the situation is that if the blockage is not too severe the chest tightness and/or pain will go away once they get home, get comfortable, and relax. If the pain fails to go away when at rest this is one of worst signs of blocked arteries and signals trouble ahead (a heart attack) and means the blockage may have reached 90 percent or more.
If the blockage is in the arteries supplying blood to the brain symptoms such as numbness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, blindness, mental disorientation, or paralysis can occur.
What can be done?
Certainly, if you notice any of the signs of blocked arteries you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible. He will likely run some tests and recommend that you change the way you eat, reduce stress levels, avoid tobacco smoke, encourage you to lose any excess weight, participate in moderate exercise program five or more days a week, and suggest a cholesterol lowering prescription medication or natural cholesterol reduction supplement if needed.
It should also be pointed out that if tests confirm major blockage surgery may be required to insert a stint to restore blood flow through the damaged artery.
The cause
Arteries are tube like. They have the ability to expand and contract, carry life giving blood and oxygen to every cell in our bodies. The inner lining of these life giving tubes is smooth allowing blood, cholesterol, white blood cells, and an number of other substances to flow freely through our bodies without incident. But when the arterial lining becomes damaged, from such things as high levels of cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, or homocysteine amino acids a series of events are started in motion.
The first is the body recognizing that there has been damage and dispatching white blood cells to patch up the problem. The patch will be made up of a foam like substance consisting mainly of cholesterol. But what happens over time is that this path tends to attract additional cholesterol, dead cells, blood stream trash, and in the latter stages calcium. If allowed to go unchecked this deposit will eventually grow to a point where blood flow is reduced and hardening starts to take place due to the calcium. The obstruction is known as a plaque deposit and once it has produced 70 percent blockage signs will often start to be seen. Additionally, part of this plaque deposit could break off, lodging in a smaller vein or artery producing an embolism.
The signs
Where the blockage occurs will determine the signs. If the plaque deposit is reducing blood flow to the heart a tightness in the middle of the chest will be felt. This is known in medical terms as angina and those in denial will often simply write it off to a bad case of indigestion. Complicating the situation is that if the blockage is not too severe the chest tightness and/or pain will go away once they get home, get comfortable, and relax. If the pain fails to go away when at rest this is one of worst signs of blocked arteries and signals trouble ahead (a heart attack) and means the blockage may have reached 90 percent or more.
If the blockage is in the arteries supplying blood to the brain symptoms such as numbness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, blindness, mental disorientation, or paralysis can occur.
What can be done?
Certainly, if you notice any of the signs of blocked arteries you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible. He will likely run some tests and recommend that you change the way you eat, reduce stress levels, avoid tobacco smoke, encourage you to lose any excess weight, participate in moderate exercise program five or more days a week, and suggest a cholesterol lowering prescription medication or natural cholesterol reduction supplement if needed.
It should also be pointed out that if tests confirm major blockage surgery may be required to insert a stint to restore blood flow through the damaged artery.