You should have known this sooner.
Clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) develop when plaque builds up inside the walls of your arteries, restricting blood flow. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
🚨 1. Ear Lobe Crease (Diagonal Crease)
- A diagonal crease on the earlobe (called Frank’s sign) has been linked in studies to coronary artery disease.
- It may indicate poor circulation or hardened arteries.
- While not a definitive diagnosis, it should not be ignored, especially if you have other risk factors (like high cholesterol or diabetes).
Other Signs to Watch Out For
2. Chest Pain (Angina)
- A classic warning sign of restricted blood flow to the heart.
- Often felt during exertion or stress.
- May feel like pressure, tightness, or burning.
3. Shortness of Breath
- If your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen, it struggles to pump — making breathing difficult even during light activity.
4. Leg Pain While Walking (Claudication)
- Pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs while walking may indicate PAD, where leg arteries are narrowed.
5. Numbness or Weakness on One Side
- Could indicate a mini-stroke (TIA) or stroke due to blocked arteries in the brain.
6. High Blood Pressure
- When arteries are narrowed, the heart works harder to pump blood — raising your blood pressure.
7. Erectile Dysfunction
- In men, ED can be an early sign of blocked arteries — particularly in the pelvic area.
8. Fatigue
- Unusual tiredness or weakness, especially in women, can signal reduced blood flow to the heart.
9. Cold Hands or Feet
- Poor circulation due to blocked peripheral arteries can cause extremities to feel cold or numb.
10. Slow Healing of Wounds
- Especially in the feet or legs — this can be a sign of poor blood supply due to narrowed arteries.
✅ What to Do If You Notice These Signs
🩺 Medical Steps:
- See a doctor immediately for evaluation if you experience multiple symptoms.
- Request tests like:
- Cholesterol screening
- ECG or stress test
- Doppler ultrasound
- Angiography (to view artery blockages)
🍎 Lifestyle Changes:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fat, high in fiber)
- Exercise regularly — aim for 30 mins/day
- Quit smoking
- Control blood sugar and blood pressure
- Lose weight if overweight
💊 Medications or Procedures:
- Statins (for cholesterol)
- Blood pressure meds
- Angioplasty or bypass surgery (if needed)
“Clogged arteries often show silent signs — even something as simple as an earlobe crease could be a red flag. Don’t ignore the warnings. Early action can save your heart, your brain, and your life.”