Feeling clogged arteries often involves chest pain, pressure, or tightness (angina) that can spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back, alongside shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, sweating, or a racing heart, though symptoms vary greatly, with some people experiencing subtle signs like indigestion or weakness, especially women, the elderly, and diabetics, or even none at all until a serious event like a heart attack occurs, requiring immediate medical attention.
Other signs you may have atherosclerosis (blocked arteries)
The symptoms of an artery blockage include chest pain and tightness, and shortness of breath. Imagine driving through a tunnel.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:
You may feel squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. It may feel like somebody is standing on your chest. The chest pain usually affects the middle or left side of the chest.
Sometimes referred to as hardened, blocked or clogged arteries, atherosclerosis can be a complex condition. But the good news is that atherosclerosis is highly treatable when diagnosed early. Atherosclerosis symptoms can begin as early as childhood and usually progress more rapidly between ages 40 and 50.
While you can't confirm a blockage yourself, these steps can help you stay proactive:
It may seem counterintuitive, but it is entirely possible to have normal blood pressure while still having clogged arteries.
Symptoms
Nearly half of all Americans have one of the three major risk factors for coronary artery disease: smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. High blood pressure is often called “the silent killer” because you may have it without experiencing any symptoms.
Fatigue: Many conditions can cause extreme fatigue, including coronary artery disease. If you have trouble completing your daily activities or feel more tired than usual, call your health care provider. You may benefit from a health screening to diagnose or rule out coronary artery disease.
Acute arterial occlusion: A blood clot suddenly blocks blood flow in your leg. This causes pain, pale skin, cool skin, “pins and needles” and/or numbness.
Common symptoms may include:
Carotid artery blockage symptoms are not typically felt until a stroke occurs. Some people may experience symptoms before a stroke, including dizziness, fainting, and blurred vision. These symptoms indicate restricted blood flow to the brain. A stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is another symptom of stenosis.
Cardiac catheterization and angiogram.
This test can see blockages in the heart arteries. A doctor places a long, thin flexible tube called a catheter in a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist.
Clogged or blocked arteries, or atherosclerosis, can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, or even death, so it is vital to understand the signs and symptoms of blocked arteries.
Skali emphasizes that regular exercise isn't just for those who are looking to prevent heart problems. It can help people whose heart muscle is already damaged. Although exercise can't clear existing plaque from clogged arteries, it can help prevent further accumulation.
What is the 3 Minute Step Test? The 3 Minute Step Test is a simple, cost-effective assessment that evaluates cardiovascular fitness based on heart rate recovery following a 3-minute stepping exercise. The test involves stepping up and down on a 12-inch bench at a rate of 96 beats per minute, facilitated by a metronome.
Symptoms of Calcium Build-Up
Symptoms of heart disease in the blood vessels
Lower back pain: The arteries leading to the lower back are among the first in the body to accumulate plaque and show signs of blockage. In fact, 10 percent of Americans already experience advanced blockages in these arteries by age 20.
Colchicine acts on many anti-inflammatory pathways, which translates to cardiovascular event reduction, plaque transformation, and plaque reduction. With the FDA's 2023 approval of colchicine for reducing cardiovascular events, a novel clinical pathway opens.
McMaster-led study shows hidden fat contributes to artery damage, regardless of body weight. Hamilton, ON — October 17, 2025) — A new study led by researchers at McMaster University reveals that hidden fat deep inside the abdomen and liver may quietly damage arteries, even in people who appear healthy.
Poor circulation can cause a number of symptoms, including: