Feel This Often? Your Arteries May Be in Trouble

Arteries are the lifeblood of your body, literally. These essential vessels transport oxygen-rich blood from your heart to every corner of your body, feeding your brain, organs, muscles, and even the smallest extremities like your fingertips and toes. This constant flow of blood is what keeps you energized, your body functioning smoothly, and your mind sharp.

In a healthy state, your arteries are strong, flexible, and smooth inside, allowing blood to flow freely and deliver oxygen and nutrients exactly where they’re needed. But when arteries become damaged—often due to high blood pressure, smoking, or poor diet—fatty substances can begin to build up along the artery walls. Over time, this creates sticky deposits called plaque, narrowing the arteries and making them less flexible. This reduced blood flow can cause serious problems, and if the plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot that completely blocks the artery. The result? The tissue beyond the blockage—whether in your heart, brain, or other organs—can be deprived of oxygen, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and other emergencies.

But why is this relevant to discussions about anxiety and hypermobility? Because the health of your arteries doesn’t just impact your heart—it’s also crucial for brain function, hormone regulation, and your nervous system’s response to stress. In individuals with hypermobility, there’s evidence to suggest that blood flow might not be functioning quite as it should. Let’s explore this connection in more detail.

Why Catching Arterial Issues Early Matters

Noticing the early signs of clogged arteries can make a big difference in your health over time. These signs are your body’s way of telling you something’s off before it turns into something serious, like a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that, with some simple changes, you can often slow or even reverse early damage to your arteries.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking are all great ways to keep your arteries in good shape. These habits help reduce plaque buildup and inflammation, keeping your blood vessels strong and flexible.

However, if your arteries are already severely narrowed or if heart disease runs in your family, lifestyle changes alone may not cut it. Your doctor might recommend medications to help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. If you’re noticing any signs of poor circulation or heart issues, don’t wait. Seeing your doctor early can help you take action and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Knowing the Signs: 10 Symptoms That Could Point to Clogged Arteries

Clogged arteries don’t always announce themselves with a dramatic event like a heart attack. More often, they start with subtle, seemingly unrelated symptoms. The earlier you catch these signs, the better your chances of avoiding serious complications. If you notice any of the following symptoms, especially if they’re persistent or getting worse, it’s worth bringing them up with your doctor.

1. Nausea

Nausea is a vague symptom, but it's one of the body’s go-to ways of saying something’s not right. While nausea can be caused by everything from food poisoning to anxiety, when it becomes persistent, especially alongside other symptoms like chest discomfort or dizziness, it could point to an issue with your heart or circulation. Don’t ignore it if it keeps showing up without an obvious cause.

2. Chest Pain or Tightness

Chest pain, also known as angina, is one of the more direct signs that blood flow to your heart is being restricted. It’s often described as pressure, squeezing, or burning in the chest, and may radiate to your left arm, shoulder, jaw, or upper back. This happens when plaque buildup narrows the arteries feeding your heart. If you feel this kind of chest pain regularly, especially during physical activity or stress, see your doctor immediately.

3. Shortness of Breath

If you’re feeling winded doing everyday tasks, or even when you’re at rest, that’s a red flag. When arteries in the lungs or heart are narrowed, your body may not be getting the oxygen it needs, leaving you breathless. Occasional breathlessness after a workout is normal, but if it feels unusual, sudden, or frequent, it’s worth checking out.

4. Weakness or Numbness on One Side of the Body

Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your face, arm, or leg could be a sign that blood flow to your brain is being compromised, often due to a blockage in one of the carotid arteries in your neck. These arteries carry blood to your brain and nervous system, and when that flow is reduced, it can lead to stroke-like symptoms. Don’t wait—this is a medical emergency.

5. Slurred Speech

Struggling to form words or speak clearly, especially when it comes on suddenly, can also signal reduced blood flow to the brain. It could be due to a blockage in the carotid artery affecting the part of the brain responsible for language, or even the tongue itself. If your words are coming out jumbled or slurred, seek medical help right away.

6. Vision Loss or Blurred Vision

Vision problems, particularly if they affect just one eye, can be a sign that blood flow through the carotid artery’s outer branch is restricted. This could show up as sudden blurry vision, partial vision loss, or even temporary blindness. Again, it’s not something to wait out—prompt treatment can prevent long-term damage.

7. Leg Pain While Walking (or at Rest)

Pain, cramping, or a heavy feeling in one leg, especially when walking or exercising, could be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which happens when arteries in your legs are narrowed or blocked. If the pain improves when you rest and returns when you move, it’s worth getting checked. In severe cases, the pain can even persist at rest.

8. Cold Feet or Lower Legs

If your feet or lower legs constantly feel cold, despite warm weather or socks, it might mean your blood isn't circulating well. Reduced blood flow from clogged arteries can leave your extremities chilled. If one foot feels noticeably colder than the other, that’s especially concerning.

9. Slow-Healing Wounds on the Feet or Legs

Wounds need steady blood flow to heal properly. When circulation is compromised, even small cuts or scrapes—especially on the feet or lower legs—can take much longer to heal or may not heal at all. This is another sign of peripheral artery disease and shouldn’t be ignored.

10. Heart Palpitations

Feeling like your heart is fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats? That could be your body trying to compensate for irregular blood flow. While palpitations can be harmless, they’re also a potential symptom of cardiovascular issues, especially if they’re accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, or chest discomfort. If this is new or happening often, don’t brush it off.

These symptoms don’t automatically mean your arteries are clogged—but they’re worth paying attention to, especially if you have other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. Think of them as early warning signs from your body, urging you to take action before a bigger problem develops.

Health Tips to Support Healthy Arteries

Taking care of your arteries doesn’t have to be complicated. With some simple, everyday habits, you can improve your cardiovascular health and help prevent plaque buildup. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Focus on nutrient-rich, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, salt, and sugar, and incorporate healthy fats, like those found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts, to help reduce cholesterol and inflammation.

• Fatty Fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna) - Packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides.
• Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard) - Rich in nitrates, which may help improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure.
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) - High in antioxidants and polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress and support blood vessel health.
• Nuts and Seeds (walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, chia seeds) - A great source of healthy fats, fiber, and magnesium—nutrients that support good cholesterol levels.
• Whole Grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley) - Contain fiber that helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and supports better blood sugar control.
• Avocados - Loaded with monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.
• Legumes (lentils, black beans, chickpeas) - Full of fiber and plant-based protein, which can support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Olive Oil (extra virgin) - A heart-healthy fat that contains anti-inflammatory compounds and supports healthy cholesterol levels.
• Tomatoes and Red Bell Peppers - Rich in lycopene and vitamin C, antioxidants that help protect your artery walls.
• Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cacao) - In moderation, dark chocolate contains flavonoids that may help improve circulation and lower blood pressure.

2. Stay Active

Regular physical activity is key for maintaining healthy arteries. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week—whether it’s walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing. This helps improve circulation and keeps your blood pressure in check.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart and arteries. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or simply taking a walk outdoors to calm your mind and lower stress levels.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst habits for your cardiovascular health. It damages your blood vessels and contributes to plaque buildup. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your arteries.

5. Watch Your Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your heart and helps lower your risk for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can damage your arteries. Aim for a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

6. Get Regular Check-Ups

Make sure to have regular health screenings, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Early detection of problems like high cholesterol or high blood pressure can help you take action before they cause serious damage.

By incorporating these tips into your lifestyle, you’ll be giving your arteries the best chance to stay healthy and functioning properly for years to come.