Blocked arteries: signs and recipes

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Extract from the article: Arteries are pipes that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to different tissues and organs in the body. Healthy arteries have smooth internal walls and the blood passes through them easily. Blocked arteries result from plaque accumulation along th

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Arteries are pipes that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to different tissues and organs in the body. Healthy arteries have smooth internal walls and the blood passes through them easily. Blocked arteries result from plaque accumulation along the arterial walls. It is composed of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the blood that eventually harden and shrink the space available for the passage of blood. This restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and other parts of the body.

Although the exact trigger of blocked arteries is unknown, contributing factors include age, excess fat in the blood, hypertension, obesity, excessive smoking, diabetes, some diseases and a hereditary factor. Plaque accumulation in the arteries is slow and gradual. Depending on the location of the artery and the organs it feeds, blocked arteries increase the likelihood of certain diseases such as coronary heart disease (coronary arteries being the arteries that feed the heart) myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (stroke). It is essential to know the signs and symptoms before worsening them.  

Angina or chest pain

Angina, or chest pain, caused by reduced blood flow to the heart is a possible sign of blocked arteries due to plaque buildup. This type of chest pain causes a feeling of tightness, heaviness and pressure behind the sternum. It is usually triggered by physical or emotional stress and tends to worsen with physical activity and disappear when resting.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath may also indicate blocked arteries. Due to plaque in the arteries, the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body, resulting in shortness of breath or extreme exertion fatigue. However, shortness of breath can also be due to heavy workouts, anemia, infection or respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic bronchitis and allergies. 

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of blocked arteries and heart problems. According to an article published in the newspaper «Circulation», erectile dysfunction is a common sign of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis often affects the small arteries first (as found in the penis) then the larger ones (as in the brain). Apart from clogged arteries, it can also be due to depression, low testosterone, nerve problems and certain medications. 

Male pattern baldness

Severe baldness at the top of a man’s head can also indicate the presence of blocked arteries. A study published in «Archives of Internal Medicine» highlighted the link between male pattern baldness and coronary heart disease, especially in men with hypertension or high levels of bad fats.

Ear crease

Specifically, an inclined fold that runs obliquely from the ear canal to the lower edge of the ear lobe is related to coronary artery disease. An ear crease can be a sign of poor circulation in the heart itself. A study published in the British Heart Journal highlighted the link between the diagonal folds of the earlobe and fatal cardiovascular disease. In addition, another study published in the « American Journal of Cardiology » found that people with ear folds are more likely to have coronary artery disease.

Excessive sweating  

Excessive sweating, especially at night in a cold room, is another possible indication of arteries affected by plaque. Sweating more than usual when not exercising or being active may indicate that the heart needs to work harder to pump blood through blocked arteries.

Weakness or dizziness

Dizziness, walking disorders, loss of balance or coordination, and unexplained falls may be due to plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. These arteries irrigate a large part of the brain that controls thought, speech, personality, and sensory and motor functions. The accumulation of fat deposits in these arteries can cause the arteries to shrink, thereby reducing or completely blocking blood flow to the brain.

Palpitations
When the heart beats, you’re not supposed to feel it. A sudden perception of the heartbeat is called palpitations. In some people, palpitations can be a symptom of blocked arteries that irrigate the heart, especially when they are accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, chest pain, sweating and nausea. This may even indicate a more serious heart condition.

Indigestion, nausea and vomiting

Blocked arteries leading to heart disease can also cause symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, feeling full or choking and other gastrointestinal problemsintestines due to lack of oxygen in the blood and poor circulation. People who develop a blockage in the renal arteries that irrigate the kidneys may also experience nausea, mild indigestion, abdominal pain or vomiting.

Pain in legs and calves  

If the legs hurt or you have difficulty walking, this may indicate plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood to the legs.This is especially a sign of accumulation of bad fats and plaque in the arteries that lead to the extremities.  Obstruction of the peripheral arteries leads to poor blood flow to the legs. This causes discomfort in the legs and feet. It limits walking and activities, often affecting quality of life.

Recette1: 1 spoonful of grated ginger root and 1 cup of water (250 ml). Boil a cup of water and add the grated ginger root. Then, let stand for 10 minutes and drink. Take it once a day, every day.

Recipe 2: 1 spoon of parsley, 1 spoon of fresh mint, 2 spoons of lemon juice (20 ml), 1 glass of water (200 ml). Consume organic products. Wash well. Then chop the parsley and mint. In this way, the oils of these plants are allowed to infuse much better. The water is heated. Once it breaks to boil, add the two herbs. It is very simple. Steep for 15-20 minutes. Then let stand for another 10 minutes. Finally, strain all the ingredients and we will get the infusion. Take the infusion in a favorite cup and add two spoons of lemon juice. If desired, add a little honey to soften slightly and drink this infusion after the daily main meal.

Recipe 3: 1.25l of water, 25g of dried hibiscus flowers, 2 pieces of sugar (or more for those who like), you can add a few branches of fresh mint or ginger. Wash the flowers and put them in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove from the heat and add the mint leaves. Then let cool completely. Pour the liquid into a colander to separate the flowers from the juice. Add the sugar to the juice. Keep the juice well.

Abel OZIH

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at the Floréal clinic (Lomé-Togo)