When I say “heart blockage,” I am talking about a narrowing or clogging in the coronary arteries—the vital blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. These arteries can become clogged by a buildup of waxy substances called plaque. This plaque forms from cholesterol, fats, and other substances in your bloodstream.

Over time, this buildup makes it harder for blood to pass through the arteries and reach your heart muscle. If a blockage grows too large, it can cut off the blood supply to part of the heart. That’s how a heart attack happens. Today, I will explain five warning signs that may signal a potential blockage.

1. Chest Discomfort or Pain

When it comes to heart trouble, chest discomfort often tops the list. This warning sign does not always feel like a stabbing pain. Many patients describe it as pressure, tightness, or an odd heaviness in the chest. Some say it feels like a squeezing sensation as if someone is pressing a fist into their chest. This feeling is known as angina.

What does angina feel like? Angina usually occurs because your heart muscle needs more oxygen than it receives. Commonly, it arises during physical exertion, such as walking up stairs or carrying groceries. If your heart arteries are partly blocked, your heart must work extra hard to pump blood through the narrowed channels, leading to pain or pressure. Once you rest, this pain often fades because your heart no longer demands as much oxygen.

However, angina is not always so straightforward. Some people may feel chest pain when they are not physically active. Others may experience mild discomfort that lasts only moments. Regardless of how or when this discomfort appears, consider it a serious sign. Pay attention to these episodes and see your doctor as soon as possible to determine whether they might be connected to a heart artery blockage.

2. Breathlessness or Shortness of Breath

Feeling winded after running or exercising intensely is normal. But when you start gasping for air or feel short of breath, even during mild activities, that might be a warning sign. Shortness of breath can occur if your heart cannot effectively pump oxygen-rich blood through your body. This lack of oxygen causes your lungs and heart to work harder, so you feel winded faster than usual.

Shortness of breath related to heart problems may show up with minimal effort, like walking a short distance or even lying down. Some people notice they cannot catch their breath after climbing a flight of stairs, while it has never bothered them before. Others notice that simple household tasks, such as folding laundry or washing dishes, leave them more fatigued than they used to be.

This symptom may feel subtle at first, but it can worsen over time. If you are getting winded from light activities, it is important to mention it to your family doctor. This warning sign may also appear alongside chest pressure or fatigue, reinforcing the possibility of an artery blockage.

3. Unexplained Fatigue

We all get tired from time to time. Maybe you stayed up too late or had a busy day. However, if you are persistently exhausted even when life is calm, you should pay attention. Fatigue that seems to come from nowhere can be a clue that your heart is struggling to pump enough blood.

When your arteries are clogged, less blood flows to the heart muscle. As a result, the heart must labor harder to do its job. Such strain can wear you out, leaving you feeling drained of energy. You might notice you have to sit down more often, take breaks you never used to need, or skip activities you once enjoyed. Simple tasks, like cleaning your room or preparing lunch, might feel like they require an immense amount of energy.

Widespread fatigue can also happen because other organs get less blood flow too. This reduction in oxygen can affect how your muscles and organs function, leaving you tired from head to toe. If you find yourself constantly yawning and you have no logical explanation, it might be time to get checked out.

4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Do you ever feel as though the room is spinning after standing up or walking around? Dizziness or feeling faint can be another red flag that your heart may not be delivering enough blood to your brain. The brain, just like the heart, depends on a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to operate properly. Even a slight drop in the blood flow to the brain can make you feel unstable on your feet.

The link between dizziness and heart blockage: When arteries are clogged, your body responds in different ways. Sometimes, your heart will try to beat faster to keep up with demand, and this rapid heartbeat can leave you dizzy. Other times, low blood flow triggers an abrupt sense of unsteadiness that passes when you sit or lie down. Pay careful attention if you notice you are getting dizzy more often, especially if it happens alongside other symptoms such as chest pressure or shortness of breath.

5. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

When your heart is not functioning at full strength, fluid can start accumulating in your tissues. The ankles, feet, and legs are common areas for swelling due to gravity. This buildup of fluid is known as edema. In many cases, it indicates that the heart is having trouble moving blood through the body properly.

Your circulatory system includes blood vessels, the heart, and various control mechanisms that regulate fluid movement. If your heart cannot pump correctly—possibly because of blocked arteries—fluid may begin to pool in the lower parts of your body. You might notice that your ankles or feet look puffy or swollen or that your socks leave deeper marks on your skin than normal. Sometimes, swelling can make it difficult to put on shoes or walk without discomfort.

Edema can develop slowly, so it may be easy to ignore at first. However, if you spot any persistent swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, it is wise to seek medical attention. It might be an early sign that your heart and circulatory system need closer examination.

Risk Factors for Heart Blockage

A variety of factors make heart blockages more likely. These include:

High cholesterol: Excess LDL (commonly called “bad” cholesterol) and low HDL (“good” cholesterol) can accelerate plaque buildup.
High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, it can damage artery walls, making it easier for plaque to cling to them.
Smoking: Tobacco use can harm blood vessels, increasing the chance of clogging.
Diabetes: High blood sugar can impair the inner linings of arteries, boosting the odds of plaque accumulation.
Family history: Some families pass down genes that place them at higher risk of heart disease.
Poor diet: Consuming large amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, and sugary foods may raise your risk of artery blockages.
Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

As you can see, some of these risk factors are within our power to manage, while others, such as your family history, are not.

What to Do If You Notice These Warning Signs

If you suspect that you might have one of these warning signs—such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, or swelling—do not push it aside. Write down what you felt, when it happened, how long it lasted, and anything that made it better or worse. Keeping a small notebook can help you remember important details. Then, take that information to a healthcare professional.

Visiting a Doctor

When you consult your doctor, they will probably conduct a physical examination and ask about your medical history. They may order tests such as:

Electrocardiogram (ECG): Looks at the electrical activity of your heart to see if there is any abnormal rhythm or prior damage.
Blood tests: Check for cholesterol levels and other substances that indicate whether your arteries might be clogged.
Stress test: Monitors your heart function while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.
Echocardiogram (Echo): Uses sound waves to create a moving image of your heart, which can reveal problems with pumping action or valve function.
Angiogram: Involves injecting a special dye into your arteries so doctors can spot blockages on X-ray images.

These tests can give a clearer picture of whether your symptoms result from heart blockages or something else entirely.

Possible Treatment Options

If doctors find that your coronary arteries are indeed blocked or partly blocked, there are several ways to address the problem. The recommended treatment usually depends on how severe the blockages are, your overall health, and whether you have other risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Lifestyle Changes

Dietary adjustments: Choose more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil). Try to cut down on foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt.
Exercise plan: Engage in moderate physical activity most days of the week, such as brisk walking or swimming.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, talk with your doctor about resources that can help you stop.
Manage stress: Breathing exercises, reading, or any activity that helps you relax can relieve stress.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe drugs to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, prevent blood clots, or help with other factors that contribute to heart blockages. It is very important to follow the medication plan set by your healthcare professional. Taking medicines incorrectly can lessen their effectiveness or cause harmful side effects.

Procedures and Surgeries

Angioplasty and stenting: A small balloon at the tip of a flexible tube is inflated inside the artery to push the plaque against the artery walls. Then, a tiny metal mesh tube (stent) is placed to hold the artery open.
Bypass surgery: A surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body (usually the chest, leg, or arm) and attaches it above and below the blocked artery. This creates a new path for blood flow around the blockage.
Other interventions: Depending on your condition, your doctor may suggest other specialized treatments.

Preventing Future Heart Problems

Perhaps the best approach to heart health is to keep your arteries free and clear in the first place. One key to preventing heart blockages is paying attention to what you eat. High-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains are beneficial. Try to avoid large quantities of fried foods, pastries, and processed snacks. Keeping your salt and sugar intake low can also help keep your blood pressure and weight in check.

Staying active is another cornerstone of good heart health. Physical activities, like dancing, biking, or even energetic household chores, help condition your heart muscle. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and improve cholesterol levels.

Monitoring your vital signs is a simple yet vital step in preventing heart problems. Regularly check your blood pressure at home or at a local pharmacy. Many people do not notice high blood pressure until it leads to complications. Similarly, blood tests for cholesterol can let you know whether you need to adjust your diet or lifestyle habits.