Your heart pumps approximately 3,000 gallons of blood through your body every day. Like every other muscle it requires oxygen and nutrients to function which it gets from the coronary arteries. Blockage of those arteries creates symptoms because they are narrower than normal and cannot bring oxygen to the cells of the muscle. Symptoms are caused by chronic lack of oxygen and sudden lack of oxygen when the blockage becomes more complete.
Angina
Angina pectoris is the medical term used to describe the pain that results when the heart muscle is short of oxygen and begins to die. This lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscle is called myocardial ischemia. According to Surgical Associates of Texas, some people will not have any angina pain while others will have a more pronounced and steady pain and still others can suffer a heart attack without ever having had symptoms of a coronary artery blockage. Patients describe angina as a crushing or squeezing pain behind the breastbone. This pain can also be felt in the teeth, jaw, shoulder, back or arm. Angina pectoris is one of the hallmark symptoms of coronary artery blockage and is a definitive sign that the heart is struggling to receive oxygen. It also signifies a high risk for the development of heart attack and stroke.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is an early symptom of coronary artery blockage, according to Everett Clinic in Washington. Shortness of breath is caused by the heart's increasing demand for oxygen to function. This leads the body to increase the rate of breathing to increase the supply of oxygen to the muscles, although the heart is not able to deliver it.
Nausea and Sweating
According to the Mayo Clinic, people less commonly experience nausea and increased amount of sweating as a result of coronary artery blockage that leads to angina or chest pain. These are symptoms that you have not commonly felt or experienced. For instance, if you have nausea or increased stomach acid that isn't relieved by antacids or are sweating without exertion these can be symptoms of coronary artery blockage.
Weakness and Dizziness
According to the Cleveland Clinic, weakness, dizziness or light-headedness can all be symptoms of coronary artery blockage. They are the result of a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain or peripheral muscle structure. This lack of oxygen delivery is a result of the decreased oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, which then is unable to function properly. Sudden onset of weakness or dizziness warrants a visit to your physician. For instance, if you were able to take a flight of stairs without any difficulty and suddenly find it hard to climb without becoming short of breath or stopping midway, these are potential signs that your heart is struggling to receive oxygen and you should seek the advice of your physician.
