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What are symptoms of heart blockage?
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12382
45 days ago
78

What are symptoms of heart blockage? - #12382

Riya

I am having a really tough time right now and could use some help. A few weeks ago, I started feeling this really weird tightness in my chest, and I thought maybe it was just stress from work. But then I noticed I would get super out of breath just walking up stairs. My friend said I should see a doctor, and they did a few tests. They mentioned something about heart blockage, but didn’t go into much detail. Now I'm like, wait, What are symptoms of heart blockage? I mean, what am I really looking out for? Is chest pain always involved? Because sometimes its more like a weird pressure and it kinda feels like my heart is racing, but then other times it’s just heavy. Oh, and I’ve had some dizziness too, but if I really think about it, I've been also super fatigued over the last several months, like I can’t keep awake! The doctor said I might need further tests, but I’m just freaking out a bit. Like, seriously, what are symptoms of heart blockage? Is there anything I can do in the meantime? I'm honestly worried but don’t want to jump to conclusions. Any tips from you all would be greatly appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

Sounds like you’re worried, and rightly so, because symptoms like these can be unsettling. Heart blockages, also known as coronary artery disease, can present with a variety of symptoms that may differ between individuals. Classic symptoms include chest pain or tightness, often referred to as angina, which is typically triggered by physical exertion or stress. This pain might feel like a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest. However, it’s important to note that symptoms aren’t always straightforward. In some cases, people might experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activities like climbing stairs, which you mentioned. Fatigue and dizziness can also be associated symptoms, as the heart struggles to pump oxygen-rich blood through narrowed or blocked arteries. Some individuals even feel heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat. Given that you’re experiencing a combination of these symptoms, it’s crucial to follow up on your doctor’s recommendation for further testing such as an ECG, stress test, or possibly an angiogram if deemed necessary. In the meantime, while waiting for further evaluation, you could focus on lifestyle factors that support heart health. If you smoke, it would be beneficial to quit. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while also reducing saturated fats and sugars. Regular, gentle exercise tailored to your ability level, as advised by a healthcare provider, can also be beneficial. Keep a close eye on your symptoms and any sudden or severe changes—such as intense chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting—should prompt immediate medical attention as they might indicate a more urgent cardiac event, like a heart attack. Until you have a definitive diagnosis, managing stress, monitoring blood pressure, and adhering to any prescriptions you were given is sensible. Avoid attempting to self-diagnose or substitute lifestyle changes for medical advice, make sure you’re closely in touch with your healthcare provider throughout this process.

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