Your arteries are canals that carry blood and oxygen between your heart and the rest of your body. Certain things can cause a blockage in your arteries, preventing blood cells from making their way to where they need to go. If you aren’t yet aware of the biggest warning signs of blocked arteries, then it might be time for you to take a quick visit to your cardiovascular specialist in Los Angeles. Below, we will discuss what causes blocked arteries as well as the biggest signs and symptoms of blocked arteries that you should be aware of ASAP.
Causes of Blocked Arteries
There remain many different causes of blocked arteries. They can stem from:
- prior medical conditions
- genetic inheritance
- poor diet
- and more
The most common cause of blocked arteries is known as atherosclerosis, defined by a buildup of:
- cholesterol
- calcium
- fat in your arteries
The blood vessels are then blocked an unable to carry blood to the rest of your body until this blockage is unclogged.
The more these substances build up in your arteries, the more dangerous its signs and symptoms can be. Blocked arteries are critical and require a visit to your doctor right away. Your blood health is your bodily health, and it’s important to prioritize a blocked artery diagnosis.
Warning Signs of Blocked Arteries
What are the leading causes of atherosclerosis and other common forms of blocked arteries? You may be in danger if you are dealing with one or more of the following:
Pain or Cramping
If you start to experience cramping in your limbs, legs, or other parts of the body, you may be dealing with blocked arteries. Your extremities are typically the first parts of your body to feel the effects of reduced blood flow. Pain should be addressed with your doctor right away.
Shortness of Breath
Breathing issues can be caused by a lack of proper blood circulation. If not enough blood is flowing to your heart, it can cause you to suffer from shortness of breath or dizzy-like feelings. Having trouble breathing? Constantly light-headed? Then you should go to an urgent care right away.
Numbness or Coldness in Your Extremities
Are your fingers and toes often cold even though they shouldn’t be? Regardless of the season, constantly cold toes could be a sign that you aren’t getting enough blood in certain parts of your body. This could result in a slew of other health issues that will only worsen over time if not addressed in a timely manner.
Best Blocked Artery Treatments
Worried that you may end up dealing with blocked arteries? You can visit your blood doctor for a personalized treatment. Still, some blocked arteries can prove treated with a simple adjustment of lifestyle and diet. This can help to lower high levels of blood pressure and cholesterol, naturally unclogging arteries over time.
If at-home treatment isn’t enough, your doctor may want to prescribe a more direct procedure. You may need to have stints placed in your arteries. These keep them opened up enough for your blood to flow, regardless of the clogs that currently exist there. Over time, blocked arteries can contribute to heart disease and other life-threatening conditions that you should do your best to avoid.
Get the Best Artery Treatment ASAP
Treat your arteries today and avoid common diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease in Beverly Hills when you contact our cardiovascular specialist today. Whether or not your symptoms of blocked arteries are severe, it is never too early to come up with a prevention plan. Contact us today and keep your heart health in good shape for a long time to come.