Blocked Arteries: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Heart arteries get narrowed when fatty deposits (plaque) build up in their walls. This is called coronary artery disease.
Causes and risks
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Family history, age, obesity and inactivity
Symptoms
- Chest pain or tightness on exertion (angina)
- Breathlessness and unusual tiredness
- A heart attack when a blockage suddenly closes the artery
Treatment
- Lifestyle change and medicines for mild disease
- Angioplasty with stent for suitable blockages
- Bypass surgery for complex multiple blockages
Need advice about your heart? Call or WhatsApp the hospital team on 95116 13365 (Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 8:00). For chest pain or a suspected heart attack, call 112 or 95116 13365 straight away; emergency services are open 24x7.
Call 95116 13365Related articles
- High Blood Pressure and Your Heart
- Diabetes and Heart Disease: Why the Risk Is Higher
- High Cholesterol: Which Numbers Matter
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please see a doctor.