Heart blockage, medically known as coronary artery blockage, occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This condition can lead to reduced blood flow, causing chest pain, heart attacks, and other serious complications. Recognizing heart blockage symptoms early can save your life and prevent severe heart damage.

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What Is Heart Blockage?

Heart blockage happens when fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate inside the coronary arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. Over time, this narrows the arteries and restricts oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle. Complete blockage can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

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Common Heart Blockage Symptoms

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina)

The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or a heavy weight on the chest. This pain often occurs during physical activity, stress, or after eating and usually subsides with rest.

2. Shortness of Breath

When the heart doesn’t get enough blood, you may feel breathless even with minimal exertion or at rest.

3. Fatigue

Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause overall fatigue and decreased ability to perform routine activities.

4. Pain Radiating to Other Areas

Pain or discomfort can spread to the shoulders, arms (especially the left arm), neck, jaw, or back.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Insufficient blood supply may cause dizziness, fainting, or feeling lightheaded.

6. Sweating

Cold sweats without apparent reason can be a warning sign of heart blockage.

7. Nausea or Vomiting

Some individuals experience nausea or vomiting during heart blockage episodes.

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Silent Heart Blockage

Some people, especially those with diabetes, may experience “silent” heart blockage without typical symptoms. This makes regular medical checkups critical to detect problems early.

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

If you experience chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to other areas, call emergency services immediately. Early treatment improves survival rates and reduces heart damage.

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Risk Factors for Heart Blockage

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history of heart disease
• Age (risk increases with age)

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose heart blockage using tests like ECG, stress tests, coronary angiography, and blood tests. Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.