Symptoms of Clogged Arteries Women Miss: The 3 Subtle Signs Doctors Don’t Want You To Ignore
Learn the red flags that could signal a heart attack
Key Takeaways
- Most risk factors of clogged arteries can be managed through diet, exercise and medication
- Women may experience different symptoms from men, so it's important not to ignore warning signs
- Treatment for clogged arteries has come a long way and is now often minimally invasive
If you’re worried about clogged arteries, you’re in good company: Over 40 percent of adults have some blockage. Though it’s a daunting statistic, there’s plenty you can do to support healthy, oxygen-rich blood flow. Keep reading as a top cardiologist shares the common symptoms of clogged arteries you need to know, today’s treatment options and simple, proven strategies to protect your heart.
What causes clogged arteries?
If cholesterol builds up in our arteries, it can create a blockage that reduces blood flow and ultimately leads to a heart attack, says UnityPoint Health interventional cardiologist Khalid Changal, MD, author of Life After Stents: What Every Patient and Family Should Know.
“When we talk about clogged arteries, we’re usually referring to the arteries of the heart—though it can also affect arteries in the brain or legs,” he explains.
Woman's World Answers
Typically this develops over a long period in patients who have multiple risk factors. “Over time, cholesterol builds up in the arteries of the heart,” he says. “It’s often silent until it becomes severe and starts obstructing blood flow.” Here, Dr. Changal reveals a few common risk factors:
- Smoking or vaping
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease
- Substance use, like cannabis and cocaine can cause arteries to spasm and make blood more likely to clot, leading to heart attacks even in young people
- Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and even inflammation of the gums can affect heart arteries
3 sneaky symptoms of clogged arteries in women
When do these risk factors start causing problems? Typically, when the blockage reaches more than 70 percent, symptoms of clogged arteries begin to appear. In most cases, that’s chest discomfort or pressure, often described as an “elephant sitting on the chest,” and sometimes shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.
In addition to these classic symptoms, women can also experience atypical symptoms, notes Dr. Changal. Here’s what to look for:
- Discomfort in the upper abdomen (epigastric area), which many people mistake for heartburn or something they ate
- Pain in the back, between the shoulder blades
- Feeling unusually exhausted with heavy sweating after normal activity
It’s important to listen to your body, as these differences “can sometimes lead to missed diagnoses, both by patients and healthcare providers, especially if the symptoms aren’t recognized as heart-related,” he cautions.
When artery blockage happens suddenly
“This process often happens gradually over months or years. But it can also present suddenly as a heart attack,” says Dr. Changal. “For example, a 30 to 40 percent blockage that hasn’t caused any symptoms can suddenly rupture, form a clot and completely block the artery.”
When this happens, classic heart attack symptoms can include:
- Severe, crushing chest pain
- Passing out or losing consciousness
- Cardiac arrest or sudden death in the most serious cases
The artery condition women need to know about
In conditions like spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), the arteries can respond differently during phases such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause, Dr. Changal explains. “Hormonal changes can weaken the artery walls, causing them to tear. This isn’t related to cholesterol buildup, but it can still cause the same heart attack symptoms and consequences.
“So, women may be living very healthy lives, but unfortunately, in rare cases, we still see this happen,” he adds. “At our hospital, we see around 10 such cases a year.” Treatment is similar to that for a traditional heart attack.
How to prevent clogged arteries
The most important step? If you smoke or vape, quit as soon as you can. Beyond that, here are simple, powerful ways to keep the walls of your arteries in great shape:
Eat a healthy diet
It’s critical to fill up on heart-healthy veggies, legumes, nuts, seeds and olive oil and be mindful of red meat intake, which is why Dr. Changal highly recommends the Mediterranean or DASH diet.
Stay active
“Controlling diabetes and inflammation are critical,” he emphasizes. “A sedentary lifestyle is associated with insulin resistance and increased risk. We now have devices that track steps, and we generally recommend staying active and moving regularly throughout the day.”
Consider medications
Prevention also includes medications when needed, especially to reduce the risk of future heart attacks, he reveals. “Statins are commonly used. There’s a lot of discussion about them and potential side effects, but overall they’re very safe and effective.”
“If [you] experience side effects, it’s important to communicate with your doctor,” he adds. “There are multiple alternatives—six to eight different medications we can try if one doesn’t work well.”
What to do if you’re experiencing symptoms
If you or someone you love is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, the most important thing is to call 911 immediately, urges Dr. Changal. “Don’t call your doctor, friend or family first—call emergency services.”
There are different types of heart attacks, but in all cases, time is critical. “When it comes to the heart, we say time is muscle,” he explains. “The longer an artery is blocked, the more heart muscle is permanently damaged.”
The good news? Treatment today is usually minimally invasive. “We use catheter-based procedures, no large incisions. A small catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the heart to open the blockage,” he explains.
“Most patients will receive a stent to keep the artery open,” he adds. “But in about five to 10 percent of cases, depending on the location and severity of the blockages, open-heart surgery (bypass surgery) may be needed.”
The bottom line on symptoms of clogged arteries
Beyond following a heart-smart lifestyle, one of the most important things you can do is learn how to recognize the symptoms of clogged arteries and when to seek help.
“Treatments today are very advanced and minimally invasive,” emphasizes Dr. Changal. “We have many medications available, and if one doesn’t work for you, we can adjust and find alternatives. Overall, outcomes are much better now than in the past.”
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