Clogged Artery Symptoms
Clogged arteries--technically known as peripheral artery disease (PAD)--is a condition wherein the body's arteries become constricted due to the buildup of fatty plaque deposits. Obesity, high cholesterol and smoking are risk factors that increase the likelihood of PAD. Clogged arteries can result in the onset of many symptoms, some of which are life-threatening.
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Numb Extremities
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Since the heart is responsible for pumping blood to the tissues through the arteries, tissues that are farther away from the heart are often most drastically affected by clogged arteries. Numbness and tingling in the feet or possibly the fingers is a common symptom of PAD. These symptoms are common with several other health conditions, so a diagnosis cannot be made based on the state of the extremities alone.
Cramps
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Muscle cramping, especially in the muscles of the legs, is a sign of PAD. Muscles need oxygenated blood to function properly, so when they do not get enough oxygen and blood, they sometimes respond by cramping up. The hip muscles, hamstrings and calf muscles are prone to cramping. Often the cramping will occur after moderate physical exertion of the leg muscles, such as walking briskly or running.
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Temperature
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Blood carries oxygen through the body and also keeps the body warm. When the arteries are clogged, the legs may become unnaturally cold due to the lack of blood flow. The legs may also experience a change in color or hair loss. Sometimes only one leg will exhibit symptoms. The lack of blood may also cause sores or wounds on the feet that do not heal quickly.
Leg Pain
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Cramping of the legs can sometimes lead to intermittent or persistent pain, which is called claudication, even when the leg muscles are not in use. The pain can become severe and debilitating, leading to trouble sleeping and carrying out normal daily activities.
Severe Complications
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When the arteries become sufficiently clogged, several severe symptoms may manifest. Heart attacks are one of the most common causes of death in Americans, often resulting from clogged arteries. Clogged arteries also increase the likelihood of strokes, violent episodes of brain damage that occur when the brain does not receive enough blood. Clogged arteries can also lead to irregular heart beats, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
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