Arteries are flexible tube-like vessels that carry blood from your heart to all parts of your body. Healthy arteries are smooth and elastic. They allow blood to flow freely, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. However, over time, a sticky substance called plaque may start to build up along the inner walls of your arteries. Plaque can be made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances found in the blood.

As plaque grows, it narrows the arteries. This makes it harder for blood to pass through easily. If an artery becomes too narrow, the blood flow can be slowed or even blocked. This situation is known as atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries.” Clogged arteries can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. But long before that happens, you may notice subtle symptoms, some of which appear at night.

At first, you might wonder why you would have symptoms at night. After all, nighttime is when we rest. However, your body still works around the clock. When you lie down, your heart continues to pump blood. If your arteries are clogged, lying flat might change how your blood flows, sometimes making it harder for your heart to get enough oxygen. As a result, discomfort can show up when you are trying to sleep.

In addition, during the quiet hours of the night, you may become more aware of your body’s signals. When the house is still, you might notice feelings that you could easily ignore during the rush and work of the day.

Common Nighttime Symptoms of Clogged Arteries

1. Chest Discomfort or Pressure

One of the most common warning signs of clogged arteries is a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the chest. This may feel like someone is pressing down on your chest or squeezing it. Some people mistake it for indigestion, while others think it might be muscle tension. When this feeling happens at night, it may wake you up from sleep.

Chest pressure related to clogged arteries often appears when the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. When lying down, blood flow dynamics change slightly, sometimes making symptoms more noticeable. If you regularly experience chest pressure at bedtime or in the middle of the night, it is important to bring it up with your doctor.

2. Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing when lying flat can also be a sign of clogged arteries. If your heart is struggling to pump blood because the arteries are narrowed, your lungs may not receive proper blood flow. This situation can cause you to feel out of breath or as if you cannot take a deep, comfortable breath.

If you find yourself propping up pillows to breathe easier, or if you wake up gasping for air, consider talking to your physician or a medical professional. While shortness of breath can have many causes, clogged arteries are one possible culprit.

3. Pain in the Arms, Neck, Jaw, or Back

Clogged arteries can cause discomfort that spreads beyond the chest. Sometimes, people feel pain in their left arm, shoulders, neck, jaw, or upper back. This pain may also appear during the night and can be subtle at first. It might wake you up, or you may notice it when you roll over in bed.

These symptoms occur when reduced blood flow triggers nerve signals that the brain interprets as pain elsewhere in the body. Even though the main problem is in the heart arteries, the discomfort can radiate, making it harder to recognize the true source.

4. Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeats

If clogged arteries are affecting your heart’s blood supply, you may notice unusual heart rhythms at night. You might feel your heart racing, skipping beats, or beating more forcefully than usual. Sometimes, these feelings become more apparent in the quiet of the night.

A single odd heartbeat now and then is common and not always a cause for concern. However, if you frequently notice palpitations, especially combined with other symptoms, it may be time to seek professional guidance.

5. Fatigue and Restlessness

Another nighttime indication of clogged arteries could be unexplained fatigue or trouble sleeping. If your heart struggles to supply your body with enough blood and oxygen, you may feel unusually tired, even if you have had enough rest. You might also feel restless, tossing and turning without understanding why.

While fatigue can result from many conditions, persistent nighttime fatigue that is unexplained by your daily activities or stress levels might be a clue that something else is going on inside your body.

Who Is at Risk?

Certain factors make it more likely that you could experience clogged arteries. These include:

High Cholesterol Levels: If your diet is high in unhealthy fats, plaque may build up faster.
High Blood Pressure: This puts more stress on your artery walls, making them more likely to narrow.
Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels, making plaque more likely to form.
Diabetes: High blood sugar can harm your artery walls and encourage plaque buildup.
Family History: If your parents or grandparents had heart problems, you may be at higher risk.
Lack of Exercise: Staying active helps keep blood vessels flexible and can slow plaque formation.

If any of these risk factors apply to you, it is especially important to pay attention to subtle symptoms at night. Early detection can help prevent serious events like a heart attack or stroke.

How Can You Reduce Nighttime Symptoms?

If you suspect your arteries might be clogged, or if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, there are steps you can take to reduce nighttime symptoms and improve your heart health:

Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Choose foods that are low in saturated fats and high in fiber. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Exercise Regularly: Even moderate activities, like brisk walking, can help improve blood flow and strengthen your heart. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise plan.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying too much weight puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Work with your doctor to keep these levels in the healthy range, possibly with medication if needed.
Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps to protect your heart.
Reduce Stress: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or even a relaxing hobby can help ease stress and improve heart health.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: If you have been prescribed medications to help with cholesterol, blood pressure, or heart health, take them as directed. Regular check-ups can catch problems early.

When to Seek Help

If you find yourself regularly experiencing chest pressure, shortness of breath, or unusual pain at night, do not ignore it. Even if you are not sure what is causing these symptoms, talking to your healthcare provider or a medical professional is a smart step. Your doctor may recommend tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), a stress test, or imaging tests to look at your arteries. These tests can reveal whether plaque is building up and slowing your blood flow.