A leading vascular surgeon has cautioned that even people who consider themselves completely healthy may be living with gradual artery blockages without realizing it. The warning comes as doctors continue to see a rise in lifestyle-related vascular diseases across India, especially among young professionals who often dismiss early symptoms.

According to vascular experts, arterial blockages rarely form suddenly. Instead, they build up slowly over several years due to a process called atherosclerosis, where fats, calcium, and inflammatory cells accumulate along the inner walls of blood vessels. These deposits eventually harden into plaque, narrowing the artery and reducing blood flow.

While many people assume blockages occur only in those with high cholesterol or a sedentary lifestyle, doctors emphasize that genetics, stress, undiagnosed diabetes, and even mild inflammation can silently contribute to artery narrowing. And because the early symptoms are subtle, most individuals fail to recognize them.

Here are the five symptoms experts say are most commonly overlooked—but may be the earliest indicators of restricted blood flow.

1. Pain During Activity Signals Reduced Circulation

Chest discomfort is the most recognizable warning sign, but many people mistake it for acidity, gas, or muscle strain. This pain—often described as tightness or pressure—occurs when the heart muscles are deprived of oxygen during exertion.

Doctors note that leg pain while walking, known as claudication, is equally important. It indicates poor circulation in the legs due to narrowed peripheral arteries. People often blame this pain on aging, dehydration, or “weakness,” delaying necessary evaluation. If pain consistently eases with rest but returns with activity, experts advise getting checked immediately.

2. Unusual Shortness of Breath

Breathlessness with mild activity, such as climbing stairs or walking quickly, may indicate that the heart is struggling to pump blood through partially blocked arteries. This symptom can also appear while lying flat, suggesting early fluid accumulation due to poor cardiac function.

Doctors often see this sign in smokers, diabetics, and stressed office workers who assume they are simply “out of shape.”

3. Persistent Fatigue

Unexplained fatigue that lingers for days or weeks—despite adequate rest—may point to reduced oxygen supply in both heart muscles and major organs. Experts note that women often present fatigue as their first symptom of heart disease, making it one of the most frequently ignored red flags.

4. Numbness or Coldness in Hands and Feet

Reduced blood flow can lead to tingling, numbness, or cold sensations in the limbs. People often confuse this with nerve issues or improper sitting posture. However, persistent numbness, pale toes or fingers, or one cold foot compared to the other could indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD).

5. Swelling in Legs or Ankles

Chronic swelling—especially on one side—may be linked to impaired circulation or early heart dysfunction caused by arterial blockages. Patients commonly attribute swelling to long hours of standing or salt intake, but experts warn that ignoring it may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis or skin infections.

Early diagnosis of artery blockages can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and limb complications. Doctors recommend regular cholesterol checks, blood sugar monitoring, Doppler scans, and stress tests, particularly for individuals above 35 or those with a family history of heart disease.