The fast pace of modern life, poor dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles are increasingly affecting vascular health. Once associated mainly with the elderly, vascular blockage—a condition linked to numerous health issues, from heart attacks to strokes—is now emerging among younger individuals as well. Though it progresses silently, this condition can be prevented and managed effectively if detected early.

Blocked arteries present different symptoms depending on the region of the body they affect. The most common sites of arterial blockages are in the heart (coronary arteries), brain (carotid and cerebral arteries), and legs (peripheral arteries). When the coronary arteries are blocked, it typically causes chest pain (angina). This pain is usually felt as pressure or tightness in the center of the chest, intensifies with physical effort, and eases with rest. Patients may also experience shortness of breath, pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back, palpitations, cold sweats, nausea, fatigue, or fainting. If these symptoms appear suddenly and severely, they may signal a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Blockages in the brain arteries can result in symptoms such as sudden dizziness, speech disturbances, facial drooping (asymmetry), sudden weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (usually on one side), loss or blurring of vision in one eye, balance issues, and difficulty walking. These are often signs of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

In the legs, arterial blockages can cause cramp-like pain in the calf, thigh, or hip while walking, known as intermittent claudication. Other symptoms include coldness or paleness in the legs, numbness or tingling in the feet, non-healing wounds on the feet or toes, hair loss, and thickened toenails. In advanced stages, pain may persist even at rest. These may also be accompanied by fatigue, weakness, and, particularly in men, sexual dysfunction.

Even One Symptom Is Worth a Medical Check-Up

It’s crucial to pay close attention to these symptoms. People with risk factors—such as smokers, those with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, individuals with diabetes, or those with a family history of cardiovascular disease—should not delay consulting a specialist.

Is Surgery Always Necessary for Blocked Arteries?

Surgery is not always required to treat blocked arteries. If the body has developed sufficient collateral circulation to the affected organ, there may be no need for any surgical intervention. Likewise, if the blockage is not severe and blood flow remains normal, surgical treatment is not necessary. However, because plaque formation has occurred and the individual belongs to a high-risk group, medical therapy should definitely be initiated.

When a blockage causes symptoms or intervention is deemed necessary, treatment decisions depend on the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s approach, the medical center’s capabilities, and the degree, percentage, and even the length of the blockage. Surgical options may involve removing the plaque, repairing the artery, or performing a bypass using either an artificial graft or the patient’s own vein. In angiographic procedures, the artery may be opened with a balloon or a stent may be placed. The choice of treatment varies depending on the location, length, and diameter of the blockage.

Not Just a Disease of Old Age

Although often viewed as a condition of old age, vascular blockage typically begins developing at a young age. That’s why the earlier preventive measures are taken, the more effective they are. Here’s what men and women can do to protect their vascular health:

Men Should Take Precautions After Age 30, Women After Age 40

In men, the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) becomes more evident starting around age 35. For those who smoke, have high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, this risk may even start before age 30. Therefore, regular check-ups and adopting a healthy lifestyle from age 30 onward are crucial.

Women, on the other hand, benefit from the protective effects of estrogen against vascular blockages before menopause. However, this advantage diminishes during the postmenopausal period, typically between ages 45 and 55, and their risk levels equal—and sometimes surpass—those of men. Therefore, women should begin taking preventive measures actively from age 40.

This Group Should Start Preventive Measures in Their 20s

Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smokers, and those with a sedentary lifestyle should begin taking precautions against vascular disease as early as their 20s.

Tips for Maintaining Vascular Health

• Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
• Avoid trans fats, margarine, and processed foods.
• Opt for natural, antioxidant-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish.
• Reduce salt and sugar consumption.
• Avoid fried foods; instead, choose boiling, steaming, or baking methods.

Exercise Regularly

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-paced walking per week (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week).
• Exercise improves vascular flexibility, enhances blood flow, and increases good cholesterol.

Avoid Tobacco and Smoking Products

• Smoking narrows arteries, increases clot formation, and contributes to blockages. Even passive smoking can damage vascular health.

Reduce Stress and Maintain a Healthy Sleep Routine

• Chronic stress can damage arterial structure. Relaxation techniques, meditation, nature walks, and 6–8 hours of sleep positively impact vascular health.

Monitor Your Blood Values

• Regularly check cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes can damage vascular structures and must be managed properly.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Excess weight harms the inner lining of blood vessels and burdens the heart.
• Abdominal fat, in particular, is a significant risk factor.