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Cholesterol Inside Heart Arteries: 7 Warning Symptoms Of Heart Blockage In Legs And Feet At Night

Cholesterol Inside Heart Arteries: 7 Warning Symptoms of Heart Blockage On Legs And Feet At Night Top 7 warning symptoms of blocked heart arteries - a situation often noticeable at night in the legs and feet due to the accumulation of cholesterol.

High Cholesterol and Heart Health: Cholesterol is a fatty-waxy substance that the body needs to make new cells and hormones. While it is an essential element for the body to function properly, an excess amount of this can pose a serious threat to the heart. In this article, we'll explore the untold story of cholesterol's link to heart health and discuss how blocked arteries might scream for attention through your legs and feet in nocturnal hours.

But, before we get deeper into the topic, let us understand how cholesterol is made and what side effects the body can face when cholesterol goes off-balance.

Cholesterol And Heart Health: Understanding The Relation Between The Two

Roughly imagined, cholesterol is like wax found in all body cells and is needed for their healthy growth. However, when there's too much cholesterol, it sticks to the walls of the arteries, clogging them up and restricting the heart's blood supply. This undesirable state, called atherosclerosis, paves the way for heart disease, a serious concern if left unaddressed.

7 Warning Symptoms of Heart Blockage On Legs And Feet At Night

When there is an excess amount of cholesterol in the body, most of it gets accumulated inside the heart arteries, making it difficult for the blood to flow properly to all the organs. This can cause serious and even fatal health conditions. The remedy to avert such problems is to be aware of the signs that can show up when high cholesterol kicks in. Here are 7 symptoms of heart blockage caused by bad cholesterol, which mainly appears at night on legs and feet:

Unusual Pain And Discomfort In Legs and Feet

Frequent leg pain, particularly during workouts or nighttime, is a typical sign of a blocked heart. This pain, termed claudication, occurs due to narrowed arteries supplying less blood to the legs.

Numbness or Weightlessness

People with heart blockages might also feel their legs and feet going numb or weak, often during rest or inactivity, a side effect of deficient blood supply.

Constant Cold Feet

Even in warm surroundings, your feet may frequently feel icy if there's a heart blockage causing poor circulation. This symptom is more noticeable during nighttime rest.

Swelling In Legs And Feet

Puffy legs and feet can indicate a heart blockage, signalling fluid buildup because of impaired circulation. This puffiness may accentuate at day's end or following long spells of sitting or standing.

Change In The Skin Colour

If the skin on your legs and feet starts showing a bluish or purplish tint, take it as a sign of poor blood flow and potential artery blockages.

Sores or Wounds Taking Extra Time To Heal

Slow-healing sores or wounds on your lower limbs could suggest inadequate blood flow due to hidden heart artery blockages. These wounds might hurt and be infection-prone.

Unexplained Hair Loss

Reduced leg and foot hair growth or hair loss can also hint at an underlying heart issue. If you notice this symptom along with others, consider getting a health check-up done.

High Cholesterol Can Damage Your Heart Health: Here's How To Keep It Safe

If you ever notice any of the warning signs and symptoms of high cholesterol in your legs and feet, especially at night, make sure to take action immediately. Visit a doctor and get your cholesterol levels checked. Remember that when left untreated, high cholesterol can wreak havoc on your heart health. And to evert this situation the only weapon you have got is an early diagnosis and prompt medical interventions. Also, remember to make some easy changes in your daily routine such as a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, exercise routine, and regular health check-ups are the pillars to controlling the right cholesterol levels and enjoying a healthy life.

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What To Know About Pulmonary Embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery that supplies blood to the lungs. The blockage, usually caused by a blood clot, impairs oxygenation of the blood and can damage the heart. This means it can be life threatening.

The word "embolism" comes from the Greek émbolos, meaning "stopper" or "plug."

In a pulmonary embolism, the embolus forms in one part of the body and circulates throughout the blood supply. It then blocks the blood flowing through a vessel in another part of the body, namely the lungs. Blood clots often develop in the leg, which is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

This article lists the symptoms of pulmonary embolism and outlines its diagnosis and treatment options.

Although the exact number of those affected by pulmonary embolism or DVT is unknown, it may affect as many as 900,000 people in the United States each year.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that a person may not experience any symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Others may experience symptoms that develop within seconds to minutes or over days to weeks. The symptoms can also start mild and become more severe.

Common symptoms include:

shortness of breath

quick breathing

pain when breathing deeply

high heart rate

Less common symptoms include:

coughing, coughing up blood

anxiety or feelings of dread

fainting

lightheadedness

sweating

Severe symptoms call for immediate emergency medical assistance. More severe cases may result in shock, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and death.

Treatments for a pulmonary embolism aim to:

stop the clot from growing

prevent new clots from forming

destroy or remove any existing clot

The main treatment option for pulmonary embolism is anticoagulation.

A doctor will prescribe anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, heparin, or direct oral anticoagulants, to stop blood clots from getting bigger and prevent new clots from forming.

They may administer an anticoagulant as soon as they suspect a pulmonary embolism before they have made a definitive diagnosis.

A person will then need to take anticoagulants for approximately 3 months or longer.

For large blood clots causing severe symptoms or complications, a doctor may prescribe an intravenous thrombolytic. However, these carry a high risk of excessive bleeding. Thrombolytics include Activase, Retavase, and Eminase.

In emergencies, a person may require surgery, such as catheter-assisted blood clot removal. A catheter-assisted blood clot removal requires a surgeon inserting a flexible tube to reach the blood clot in the lung. They can then insert a tool to break up the clot or administer medication.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when an embolus, usually a blood clot, blocks the blood flowing through an artery that feeds the lungs.

A blood clot may start in an arm or leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

After that, it breaks free and travels through the circulatory system toward the lungs. When the embolus is too large to pass through the small vessels, it forms a blockage.

This blockage stops blood from flowing into a part of the lung. This causes the affected section of the lung to die through lack of oxygen. The blood clot can also cause pressure to build in the right side of the heart, eventually causing heart failure.

Rarely, a pulmonary embolism can result from an embolus that is formed from fat droplets, amniotic fluid, or some other particle that enters the bloodstream.

The risk factors for developing a pulmonary embolism can be genetic or acquired.

Some acquired risk factors include:

long periods of inactivity or bed rest, such as:

bed rest for 3 days

traveling for more than 4 hours

having obesity

pregnancy and postpartum

cigarette smoking

taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills

some cancers

catheters in the veins

To reduce the risk of developing a blood clot or pulmonary embolism, a person can:

wear flight socks or compression stockings when traveling

wear loose-fitting clothing

drink water regularly

take part in regular physical activity

take breaks from sitting

bend and straighten the legs, feet, and toes every 30 minutes if they are sitting

avoid sitting for long periods

avoid crossing the legs when sitting

avoid smoking

A person undergoing surgery should discuss a plan to prevent blood clots with a healthcare professional. They will also advise on how to prevent blood clots during the recovery period.

Those with a high risk of developing pulmonary embolism may require anticoagulant medications.

To reach a diagnosis, the doctor will look at the person's history and consider whether they are likely to have an embolism. They will carry out a physical examination. Doctors may find it challenging to make a diagnosis because other conditions have similar symptoms.

The doctor may perform the following tests:

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography: This is an imaging test to find blood clots in the lungs.

Blood tests: A doctor will test for D-dimer in the blood, which is a substance is released when a clot dissolves. High levels indicate a possible blood clot, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism.

Ventilation-perfusion scan: This measures the airflow and blood flow in the lungs.

Pulmonary angiography: This is an imaging test that requires inserting a tube into the blood vessel and using X-rays and contrast dye to find clots. Pulmonary angiography can confirm a pulmonary embolism diagnosis.

A doctor may also perform other imaging tests so they can look at the veins and the function of the heart and lungs.

With effective and timely treatment, most people who experience a pulmonary embolism can make a full recovery. However, the condition can carry a high risk of fatality without timely intervention.

A person's outlook can also be affected depending on the underlying condition that caused the blood clot or pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery supplies blood to the lungs. The blockage, which usually occurs due to a blood clot, prevents the oxygen from reaching the lungs.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of a pulmonary embolism should seek urgent medical help. This is because timely treatment and diagnosis can improve a person's outlook. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, high heart rate, and pain when breathing deeply.

Treatment often involves anticoagulant medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

What Is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol plaque. It may lead to stroke, heart attacks, dementia, and other health challenges.

When plaque builds up and the arteries become hard and inflamed, blood has trouble flowing through them to the rest of the body. This prevents your organs and tissues from getting the oxygenated blood they need to function.

Atherosclerosis is preventable and treatable, although not reversible.

Atherosclerosis is a "silent" condition during its early stages, meaning it doesn't usually manifest with any evident symptoms until a significant blood flow blockage occurs.

Once symptoms develop, these may include:

chest pain (stable angina)

pain in your leg, arm, and other regions supplied by the blocked artery

cramping in the buttocks while walking

heart palpitations

shortness of breath

fatigue

mental confusion if the blockage affects circulation to your brain

weakness and loss of sensation on one side of the body (hemiparesis) if the blockage affects brain circulation

muscle weakness and cramps in your legs from lack of circulation

Read more on the signs of atherosclerosis.

Did you know?

Atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis, otherwise known as hardening of the arteries. The terms "atherosclerosis" and "arteriosclerosis" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they represent different conditions.

Read more about the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis develops slowly and it's often related to lifestyle habits, including diet patterns and reduced physical activity. Aging may also be a factor in atherosclerosis, but it doesn't mean significant atherosclerosis always goes hand in hand with aging.

Chronic high cholesterol is the main contributing factor to atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is found naturally in the body and in certain foods.

If cholesterol levels in the blood are persistently elevated, it may lead to artery clogging. Over time, cholesterol in the arteries becomes a hard plaque that starts to restrict blood circulation and may damage blood vessels leading to blood clots.

Blood clots may move through blood flow and travel to other regions of the body. When they block blood flow to vital organs, like the brain, they can lead to serious complications.

Read more about the effects of cholesterol on the body.

Other contributing factors for atherosclerosis may include:

Family history: If atherosclerosis runs in your family, you may have a higher chance of narrowing of the arteries. You can inherit this condition, as well as other heart-related problems.

Lack of exercise: Regular exercise helps your cardiovascular system, including blood vessels, stay in optimal shape. It keeps your heart muscle strong and encourages oxygen and blood flow throughout your body. Low physical activity increases your chance of a host of medical conditions, including heart disease.

High blood pressure: Hypertension may damage your blood vessels by making them weak in some areas.

Smoking: Tobacco products may damage your blood vessels and heart.

Diabetes: People with diabetes have a much higher incidence of coronary artery disease.

A physical exam is the first step toward diagnosing atherosclerosis. A medical professional may check for:

a weakened pulse

signs of an aneurysm, or an abnormal bulging or widening of an artery due to weakness of the arterial wall

slow wound healing, which may indicate restricted blood flow

a bruit, or whooshing sound the blood makes as it travels through a blocked artery

Learn more about the difference between a stroke and an aneurysm.

A cardiologist may listen to your heart to check for atypical sounds and order more tests if they suspect atherosclerosis.

These tests may include:

blood tests to check cholesterol levels

a Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create an image of arteries and would show a blockage

an ankle-brachial index, which looks for a blockage in your arms or legs by comparing the blood pressure in each limb

a magnetic resonance angiography or a computed tomography angiography, which create pictures of the large arteries in your body

a cardiac angiogram, which is a type of chest X-ray that's taken after your heart arteries are injected with radioactive dye. There are two types of cardiac angiography: Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and left heart catheterization.

an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which measures the electrical activity in your heart

a stress test, or exercise tolerance test, which monitors your heart rate and blood pressure while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle

You cannot reverse atherosclerosis, but management may help slow its progression.

Treatment for atherosclerosis typically involves lifestyle changes. Depending on its severity, risk factors, and symptoms, you may also need medications and surgery.

Medications

Medications can slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. These may include:

Aspirin can be particularly effective for people with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

Discussing aspirin use for cardiovascular risk with a healthcare professional is highly advisable. Taking aspirin without the guidance of a doctor may lead to internal bleeding in some people.

Surgery

If symptoms are severe or if muscle or skin tissue is in jeopardy, a healthcare professional may recommend surgery.

Possible surgeries for treating atherosclerosis include:

bypass surgery, which involves using a vessel from somewhere else in your body or a synthetic tube to divert blood around your blocked or narrowed artery

thrombolytic therapy, which involves dissolving a blood clot by injecting a drug into your affected artery

angioplasty and percutaneous coronary intervention, which involves using a catheter and a balloon to expand your artery, sometimes inserting a stent to keep the artery open

atherectomy, which involves removing plaque from your arteries by using a catheter with a sharp blade at one end

endarterectomy, which involves surgically removing fatty deposits from the carotid artery

Lifestyle changes

Helpful lifestyle changes to slow down atherosclerosis may include:

eating a heart-healthy diet that's low in saturated fats and cholesterol

avoiding fatty foods

adding fish to your diet twice per week instead of red meat

getting at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week

doing strength training for at least 2 hours every week

quitting smoking if you use tobacco

managing your weight

managing stress

treating conditions associated with atherosclerosis, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, obesity, and diabetes

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of your arteries by the accumulation of plaque. This plaque buildup is the result of chronic high cholesterol levels.

Once you develop atherosclerosis, the condition isn't reversible. However, lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery may slow down its progression and prevent complications.

Common complications associated with atherosclerosis include strokes and heart attacks.

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