Arterial blockage is an umbrella term for a host of blockages that can occur in various arteries in the body. Blockages in the legs, in the eyes (central retinal arteries) and in the heart (coronary arteries) are all serious and can lead to a stroke, heart attack and even death, depending on where the blockage occurs and how serious it becomes.
Blockage in the Legs
According to the University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, blockage of the circulation in the legs is a common sign of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis can be dangerous, as pieces of plaque can break off and move through the bloodstream, causing a heart attack or stroke. In addition, blood clots can form, blocking blood flow and can even travel to the arteries in the heart, brain or lungs. Symptoms of a blockage in the legs include pain when walking or resting, gangrene and foot ulcers. However, according to the UCSF Medical Center, some people do not experience any symptoms.
Blockage in the Eyes
A blockage in the eye (central retinal artery) can cause the affected eye to lose either partial or complete vision. When a blockage occurs in the central retinal vein, the same symptoms of vision loss can occur, only gradually, over a period of days or week, according to Merck. Either type of blockage can cause a growth of abnormal blood vessels on the iris or retina, which can also cause bleeding or glaucoma.
Blocakge in the Heart
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the heart pumps approximately 3,000 gallons of blood through the body each day. This blood supply comes from the coronary arteries. When a blockage occurs in the arteries, plaque can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, causing serious health complications, including a heart attack. Symptoms of a blockage in the heart include chest pain and other symptoms related to coronary artery disease, such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, increased heart beat, dizziness, nausea, weakness and sweating. Women may experience slightly different symptoms from men, including pain in the left arm or back, discomfort in the chest, fatigue or nausea, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat.
