Understanding
Artery Blockages
What Happens When Artery Blockages Occur?
When a blockage forms in a blood vessel, it reduces or stops the flow of blood to the organs and tissues that depend on it. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that the body needs to function, so when the flow is restricted, those areas may not receive enough supply to work properly.
Types of artery blockages include:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Blood flow to the heart is reduced, leading to risks of chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.
Carotid Artery Disease: A blockage in the brain which may lead to a stroke, affecting speech, movement or memory.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Poor or disrupted circulation in the legs that can cause pain, numbness or difficulty walking.
What Causes Arteries to Get Blocked?
Blockages usually develop gradually over time when substances such as fat, cholesterol, calcium and other materials build up along the inner walls of blood vessels. This build-up, known as plaque, narrows the vessel and restricts the smooth flow of blood.
Several factors that can contribute to the formation of these blockages include:
High cholesterol levels
High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Poor diet and lack of physical activity
Ageing and genetics
As plaque accumulates, the arteries become stiffer and narrower, making it harder for blood to circulate properly.
Recognising the Signs of Artery Blockages
Blockages in the arteries may not always cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the narrowing becomes more severe and blood flow is reduced, certain signs may begin to appear.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
Chest pain or discomfort (angina): Often felt as pressure, tightness or heaviness in the chest, especially during physical activity.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing during exertion or even at rest in more advanced cases.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired due to reduced oxygen supply to the body.
Pain in other areas: Experiencing pain in other parts of the body such as the arms, neck, jaw or back, particularly if related to heart blockages.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: This may occur if blood flow to the brain is affected.
Diagnosing Blocked Arteries
Diagnosing blockages in the arteries involves a combination of clinical assessment and specialised tests to evaluate blood flow and identify any narrowing. Early and accurate diagnosis is important to determine the severity of the condition and guide appropriate treatment.
How Are Artery Blockages Treated?
Treatment depends on how severe the blockage is, your symptoms, and overall heart health. In some cases, lifestyle changes and medication may be sufficient, while more significant blockages may require procedures to restore blood flow.
Common treatment approaches include:
Lifestyle changes and medication
For mild or early-stage blockages, doctors may recommend improving diet, increasing physical activity, and prescribing medications to control cholesterol, blood pressure or prevent clot formation.
Angioplasty and stent placement
A minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked arteries and restore blood flow. In most cases, a small mesh tube called a stent is placed during the procedure to help keep the artery open. This is often recommended when symptoms are significant or when there is a higher risk of complications such as a heart attack.
Important note: In more complex or severe cases, surgery may be required to reroute blood flow around blocked arteries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Artery Blockages
Do all blocked arteries require angioplasty?
How is the severity of a blockage determined?
What happens if a blockage is left untreated?
Can artery blockages return or worsen over time?
Our Cardiologist
- MB BCh (Ireland), MRCP (United Kingdom)
- FAMS (Cardiology), FRCP (Edinburgh, UK)
- FACC (ACC, USA), FESC (European Society of Cardiology, France)
- Diplomate Nuclear Board of Cardiology (CNBC, USA)
- Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (FSCAI, USA)
Dr Eric Hong has over two decades of experience in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. Trained internationally, including clinical fellowships at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Dr Hong brings global expertise to cardiac care in Singapore.
