How to Identify Symptoms of Clogged Arteries

Look for symptoms of a heart attack., Identify symptoms of a blocked artery in the kidney., See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms., Remain still and do no activity if medical care is not available right away.

4 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Look for symptoms of a heart attack.

    Specific symptoms can signal the beginning of a heart attack, during which oxygen-rich blood does not feed the heart muscle.

    If the heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, part of it can die.

    The amount of damage to the heart muscle can be reduced when you are treated with medications at a hospital within one hour of experiencing the symptoms.

    The symptoms include:
    Chest pain or pressure Chest heaviness or tightness Sweating or "cold" sweats Feeling of fullness or indigestion Nausea and/or vomiting Lightheadedness Dizziness Extreme weakness Anxiety Rapid pulse or irregular heart rhythm Shortness of breath Pain radiating down the arm Pain described mostly commonly as squeezing or tightness of the chest, but not sharp pain Note that in women, elderly, and those with diabetes, heart attacks often don't have many of the common symptoms and can even present as other symptoms altogether.

    Fatigue is common.
  2. Step 2: Identify symptoms of a blocked artery in the kidney.

    These can be different than the symptoms of a blocked artery elsewhere.

    Suspect a blocked artery in the kidney if you experience: high blood pressure that is difficult to control, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, itching skin, or difficulty with concentration.If the artery is completely blocked, you may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, and steady aching pain in the lower back or abdomen.

    If the blockage is from small blockages that lodge in the renal artery, you may also have similar blockages in other areas of your body, such as in your fingers, legs, brain or intestines. , While you may not be totally sure that you have a blocked artery, it's better to be safe than sorry.

    Contact your doctor and describe your symptoms her.

    Your doctor will either tell you to come into her office or to go to your closest emergency room. , Rest quietly until medical care arrives.

    By remaining very still you will reduce the oxygen needs and workload of the heart muscle.

    If you think you are having a heart attack, chew 325 mg of full-strength aspirin once you have contacted emergency services.

    If you only have baby aspirin, take four 81 mg pills.

    Chewing before swallowing will help the aspirin work faster.
  3. Step 3: See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

  4. Step 4: Remain still and do no activity if medical care is not available right away.

Detailed Guide

Specific symptoms can signal the beginning of a heart attack, during which oxygen-rich blood does not feed the heart muscle.

If the heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, part of it can die.

The amount of damage to the heart muscle can be reduced when you are treated with medications at a hospital within one hour of experiencing the symptoms.

The symptoms include:
Chest pain or pressure Chest heaviness or tightness Sweating or "cold" sweats Feeling of fullness or indigestion Nausea and/or vomiting Lightheadedness Dizziness Extreme weakness Anxiety Rapid pulse or irregular heart rhythm Shortness of breath Pain radiating down the arm Pain described mostly commonly as squeezing or tightness of the chest, but not sharp pain Note that in women, elderly, and those with diabetes, heart attacks often don't have many of the common symptoms and can even present as other symptoms altogether.

Fatigue is common.

These can be different than the symptoms of a blocked artery elsewhere.

Suspect a blocked artery in the kidney if you experience: high blood pressure that is difficult to control, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, itching skin, or difficulty with concentration.If the artery is completely blocked, you may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, and steady aching pain in the lower back or abdomen.

If the blockage is from small blockages that lodge in the renal artery, you may also have similar blockages in other areas of your body, such as in your fingers, legs, brain or intestines. , While you may not be totally sure that you have a blocked artery, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Contact your doctor and describe your symptoms her.

Your doctor will either tell you to come into her office or to go to your closest emergency room. , Rest quietly until medical care arrives.

By remaining very still you will reduce the oxygen needs and workload of the heart muscle.

If you think you are having a heart attack, chew 325 mg of full-strength aspirin once you have contacted emergency services.

If you only have baby aspirin, take four 81 mg pills.

Chewing before swallowing will help the aspirin work faster.

About the Author

J

Jacqueline Webb

Specializes in breaking down complex hobbies topics into simple steps.

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