Signs of Blocked Arteries – Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Posted: Jul 06, 2010 |Comments: 0 | Views: 245 |

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.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/signs-of-blocked-arteries-signs-symptoms-and-solutions-2782822.html

    Article Tags:

    signs of blocked arteries

    ,

    blocked arteries

    ,

    blocked arteries probably

    Dr Izharul Hasan

    Death in hanging is caused by compression of the blood vessels of the neck such that an insufficient amount of oxygenated blood reaches the brain. Obstruction of the airway can also occur either through compression of the trachea or, when the noose is above the larynx, elevation and posterior displacement of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

    By: Dr Izharul Hasanl Health> Medicinel May 29, 2012
    Xylene Belita

    There is really something to be concerned about when you have clogged arteries in the legs. What this means is that there is insufficiency in the supply of oxygenated blood to the legs because of a clog in the leg arteries, and oxygen as you very well know is very vital to human life. Along with oxygen, blood also carries nutrients that are essential in the normal functioning of the cells.

    By: Xylene Belital Healthl Nov 16, 2010 lViews: 167

    Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on your joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it's believed to be the body's immune system attacking the tissue that lines your joints (synovium).

    By: syed anjuml Businessl Sep 16, 2009
    Paul Rodgers

    High blood pressure is a problem that won't go away without treatment and changes to your diet and lifestyle. The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels with medicine that's easy to take and has few, if any, side effects.

    By: Paul Rodgersl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jul 04, 2008 lViews: 870 lComments: 1
    George Bouchoc

    Stroke is a disorder of the cardiovascular system affecting the arteries and veins of the nervous system. It is the direct result of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits on the inner layer of arteries. A stroke occurs when a blocked artery interrupts the blood supply to the brain. Stroke is defined as "the death of brain tissue because of lack of oxygen and nutrients provided by the flow of blood." Stroke is the third largest cause of death among Americans after heart disease

    By: George Bouchocl Health> Mental Healthl Feb 15, 2012
    John Cielo

    A fast way to get gout relief is with baking soda which I've found it to be very effective. But now that I have gotten my uric acid levels under control I don't need to use this home remedy anymore.

    By: John Cielol Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jun 04, 2012
    John Cielo

    Gout was once the 'disease of kings' due to their diet, but not any more. Anybody can have gout nowadays. Easy access to relatively cheap, mass-produced food and alcohol has meant that we are all at the mercy of gout through our diet.

    By: John Cielol Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jun 03, 2012

    We need to keep our omega 6 foods at a minimum and include more omega 3 into our diets. Adding food items such as walnuts, chia seeds, to our salads is a simple and natural way to get our omega.

    By: Sandy Sachsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    Most children demonstrate some impulsive/hyperactive behavior or have difficulty remaining on-task. Although typically found in boys, in 3-7% percent of children the inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior is recognized by clinician as being a significant problem that is not typical of normal development.

    By: vladimirjigsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    Tomas, a 34 year of carpenter, went to see his girl friend of six months at the end of a hard day. Noticing a strange car in the driveway, he peered into her window with some curiosity. He saw her having sexual relations with another man. Enraged, Tomas went home and returned with his shotgun.

    By: vladimirjigsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012
    Rob D. Hawkins

    While some people would want you to believe dog cystitis supplements are the best solution in each and every instance it simply is not the case. This is particularly true when the bacterial infection has spread to the kidneys or is in its advanced stages. On the other hand ...

    By: Rob D. Hawkinsl Home and Family> Petsl Jun 01, 2012
    Rob D. Hawkins

    If you were to ask ten people to describe ADHD it is likely you would get 10 different answers with at least 7 including hyperactivity in their descriptions. The truth is hyperactivity is only present in cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder about half of the time but seems to be the symptom that is foremost in most parents minds. As for the ADHD predominately inattentive type ...

    By: Rob D. Hawkinsl Health> Mental Healthl Apr 24, 2012
    Rob D. Hawkins

    As I do every month I anticipated the arrival of my monthly senior magazine only to find in big headlines something about natural being dangerous. So I immediately turned to page 11 to find out what all this was about.

    By: Rob D. Hawkinsl Health> Alternative Medicinel Apr 13, 2012
    Rob D. Hawkins

    Hair loss is one subject I am passionate about probably because I have fought the hair loss battle for over a decade, and at least up until this point consider my efforts to have been a success. In this article I will offer my opinion as to whether or not a topical hair loss treatment alone will be enough to deliver significant results.

    By: Rob D. Hawkinsl Health> Hair Lossl Feb 28, 2012
    Rob D. Hawkins

    If you are struggling with excessive and/or frequent nervousness you may be searching for reasons why your diet may be the culprit of your anxiety. What I can tell you from my personal experience is there is a very good chance the types of foods and beverages you are consuming is playing some role, but to what degree is difficult to determine since anxiety has many different levels, and many possible causes including brain chemistry, heredity, and life experiences.

    By: Rob D. Hawkinsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jan 20, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast