Is a blocked artery serious?

The most dangerous outcome of atherosclerosis occurs if the plaque ruptures (breaks down). The blood flowing over the top of the plaque can clot, causing a blockage in the artery that can result in a heart attack, or it can be carried downstream causing a stroke.

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What is the usual treatment for a blocked artery?

Coronary angioplasty and stent placement.

A tiny balloon is inflated to help widen the blocked artery and improve blood flow. A small wire mesh tube (stent) may be placed in the artery during angioplasty. The stent helps keep the artery open. It lowers the risk of the artery narrowing again.

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How long can you go with a blocked artery?

So, how long can you live with blocked arteries? Well, there is no set timeframe when it comes to a person's lifespan when their arteries become clogged. Medical treatments are available after the blockage is discovered to increase blood flow and prevent further complications.

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What are the warning signs of clogged arteries?

Dizziness or weakness. Heart palpitations, or sensations of your heart racing or fluttering. Nausea or sweating. Shortness of breath.
...
Your doctor may also use tests that look for signs of atherosclerosis, such as:
  • A weak or absent pulse.
  • A whooshing sound (bruit) in your artery.
  • Low blood pressure in one of your arms or legs.

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What are 3 things that can happen when an artery gets clogged?

In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
  • Dizziness.
  • Feeling like your heart is racing (heart palpitations)
  • Nausea.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sweating.
  • Weakness.

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Not All Blocked Heart Arteries Should Be Fixed. Here’s Why? HealthspanMD

20 related questions found

Can you unblock an artery without surgery?

Through angioplasty, our cardiologists are able to treat patients with blocked or clogged coronary arteries quickly without surgery. During the procedure, a cardiologist threads a balloon-tipped catheter to the site of the narrowed or blocked artery and then inflates the balloon to open the vessel.

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At what age do arteries start clogging?

Atherosclerosis, which causes diseases of the arteries, is a very common process. One of the biggest risk factors for atherosclerosis is age, so it is more common among people in their 60s and 70s, although there are many elderly people who don't have significant atherosclerosis.

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Can exercise reduce artery plaque?

Yes, lifestyle changes, including diet, smoking cessation, stress management and exercise, can decrease the size of atherosclerotic plaques. They can also help to stabilize them so that they are less likely to break off and block blood flow, decreasing your risk of a heart attack.

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What is the main cause of clogged arteries?

If there's too much cholesterol in the blood, the cholesterol and other substances may form deposits (plaques) that collect on artery walls. Plaques can cause an artery to become narrowed or blocked. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form. Plaques and blood clots can reduce blood flow through an artery.

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What is the best test to check for clogged arteries?

A coronary angiogram is a type of X-ray used to examine the coronary arteries supplying blood to your heart muscle. It's considered to be the best method of diagnosing coronary artery disease - conditions that affect the arteries surrounding the heart.

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Can you live a normal life with blocked arteries?

The survival rate for CAD depends on a variety of factors, including how severe the condition is and how it's treated. However, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, the majority of people with CAD can live long and productive lives.

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Can an ECG detect a blocked artery?

An ECG Can Recognize the Signs of Blocked Arteries. But for further accurecy a CT coronary angiogram can reveal plaque buildup and identify blockages in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.

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Can you live a long life with clogged arteries?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is treatable, but there is no cure. This means that once diagnosed with CAD, you have to learn to live with it for the rest of your life. By lowering your risk factors and losing your fears, you can live a full life despite CAD.

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What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?

Top Foods Cardiologists Want You to Avoid for a Healthy Heart
  • Red meat (including “the other white meat”) ...
  • Bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats. ...
  • French fries and other fried foods. ...
  • Sugary drinks and cereals. ...
  • Potato chips and snack foods. ...
  • Full-fat dairy products. ...
  • Baked goods, cookies, and pastries.

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Can a doctor unclog an artery?

Angioplasty and Stents: Also referred to as a balloon angioplasty, this minimally invasive procedure opens narrowed arteries by targeted inflation. Doctors use a small catheter to guide a balloon into place, widening the artery to encourage adequate blood flow.

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Which artery is the most common to have blockage?

Although blockages can occur in other arteries leading to the heart, the LAD artery is where most blockages occur. The extent of the blockage can vary widely from 1% to 100%.

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What does a blockage feel like?

Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include severe belly pain or cramping, vomiting, not being able to pass stool or gas, and other signs of belly distress.

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Can stress cause blocked arteries?

Chronic stress is pervasive during negative life events and can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries (AS).

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Is there a drug that removes plaque from arteries?

What Medication Removes Plaque From Arteries? Your doctor might prescribe different types of medications, depending on your health. These might be: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, called ACE inhibitors, to lower blood pressure.

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Can walking reduce heart blockage?

With every step, walking offers benefits and is some of the best exercise for heart health. It can improve your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and energy levels, plus it can fight weight gain to improve heart health overall, explains the American Heart Association.

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Does magnesium dissolve arterial plaque?

Magnesium supplementation can inhibit atherosclerotic plaque formation in animals on high-fat diets. More recent human studies have revealed strong associations between low magnesium levels and higher heart disease risks. This demonstrates that magnesium can be a powerful protective measure to maintain heart health.

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At what percent blockage are stents given?

An artery should be clogged at least 70% before a stent should be placed in it.

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What happens if a clogged artery goes untreated?

If plaque or a blood clot narrows or blocks your arteries, blood can't get through to nourish organs and other tissues. This causes damage ― and eventually death (gangrene) ― to the tissues below the blockage.

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Does blood pressure go up with blocked arteries?

Blood pressure rises when the arteries are blocked and the blood can no longer flow freely. This is particularly pronounced during strenuous situations, as the heart must work even harder to supply the body with enough oxygen and nutrients.

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