'You can have 70% blocked arteries and still....', says vascular surgeon: 5 unnoticed warning signs of blocked arteries

"You may have 70% blocked arteries and feel perfectly fine", until one day the warning bells get loud. The arteries don't scream for help; they whisper. And most people turn a deaf ear to such whispers, mistaking them for ordinary tiredness, stress, or "just getting older." Yet, these are your body's hints: five unnoticed warning signs of blocked arteries described in a natural, humanized perspective beyond textbook descriptions.

Vascular surgeon Dr. Sumit Kapadia, with 18 years of experience, say that he has seen patients walk into OPD with no major symptoms, no alarming pains-only to discover the narrowing of arteries.

Dr. Kapadia says, early screening is important, especially if you have

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Fatigue
History of smoking
Family history of vascular or heart-related diseases.

When it comes to heart disease, regular screening is important

This isn't the kind of tiredness you feel after a bad night's sleep or a long day at work. It's an odd, draining fatigue that shows up even when you've barely moved. Perhaps simple tasks, such as making the bed or walking across a room, leave you feeling spent. Women, in particular, often report this type of exhaustion before other symptoms appear, but it's easy to blame it on stress or hormones. When your arteries are blocked, the heart and muscles don't get enough oxygen, leaving your "battery" flat for no obvious reason.

Blocked arteries don't always cause sharp pain. Sometimes it's just a weird pressure or heaviness-like a backpack strapped to your chest or a belt pulled too tight. You might notice it while walking quickly or climbing stairs, and it fades with rest. Many people describe the feeling as discomfort, rather than pain. This subtle sign happens when your heart muscle isn't getting the blood it needs. Never brush it off as "heartburn" or "gas"-get it checked, especially if you're at risk.

You climb a few stairs or take a brisk walk and suddenly feel breathless, dizzy, or lightheaded. Sometimes, you may even notice it when lying flat in bed and struggling to catch your breath. That "need to pause and recover" feeling is common when arteries start to narrow. Some people get dizzy standing up, or after exercise, or even after sitting still. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for anemia, dehydration, or aging. But when they recur, don't ignore them-artery blockage could be quietly progressing underneath.

Poor circulation often leaves noticeable marks on the body. Icy cold hands and feet, tingling, numbness, or wounds that take longer than usual to heal are classic early signs. Sometimes one leg, foot, hand, or even a single toe feels different from the other—colder, paler, weaker, or simply unusual. These symptoms are easy to dismiss, yet they indicate that blood may not be reaching your extremities properly. Persistent changes in skin color, temperature, or healing speed should never be ignored. They are especially important warning signals for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease.

Heart-related pain doesn’t always stay in the chest. It can radiate to the jaw, left arm, upper back, or even between the shoulder blades. Sometimes people feel unexplained dental pain, neck discomfort, or an ache in the arm that appears during physical activity. Because the body’s nerves are interconnected, the brain can misinterpret where the pain is coming from, making cardiac symptoms feel like something else entirely. If pain appears in unusual places—especially during exertion, stress, or with shortness of breath—it’s important to take it seriously and discuss it with a doctor to rule out heart-related causes.

It so happens, that when the arteries are severely narrowed, often 80-90%, most people do not feel any chest pain, and this is why regular check ups are so imperative, especially for people with chronic illnesses, high cholesterol and a family history of heart diseases. Simple tests, recommended by Dr. Kapadia, are Ankle Brachial Pressure Index or Doppler, scans can catch these issues early, helping prevent serious problems before any symptoms appear or become apparent. Early detection through these screenings can be lifesaving, allowing timely interventions that protect your heart and overall health. Making these screenings a routine part of your healthcare can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected cardiac events.

Heart damage can be kept at bay by consuming a healthy diet, and exercising

Regular exercise plays a vital role in preventing and managing blocked arteries by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and helping lower cholesterol levels. When you move your body, through walking, cycling, or strength training, the heart pumps more efficiently, encouraging healthier arteries and preventing plaque from building up.

Chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue with minimal activity, and dizziness or light-headedness often occur together as key warning signs of underlying heart or circulatory problems. These symptoms may indicate that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood, making it important to seek medical attention promptly, especially if they appear suddenly or worsen over time.