Hello doctor: 7 warning signs of blocked blood vessels

'Doctor, I am being treated for type 2 diabetes. What are the warning signs that my blood vessels are clogged? If this happens, what should I do to prevent it?' (Thuy Tam, 47 years old, in Can Tho).

Specialist Doctor 2 Nguyen My Bao Anh, Head of the Examination Department, Nam Sai Gon Hospital, explains that blood vessel blockage is often caused by atherosclerosis. This is a condition in which atherosclerotic plaques form inside the vessels due to the accumulation of cholesterol, fat, inflammatory cells, etc. This process causes the blood vessels to gradually narrow, reducing blood flow to the organs. When the atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, blood clots can form and cause complete blockage, leading to dangerous events such as stroke or myocardial infarction.

The main risk factors for atherosclerosis include: high blood cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise. In addition, a high-fat diet, prolonged stress and a family history of cardiovascular disease also significantly increase the risk of the disease.

In the case of reader Tam, people with type 2 diabetes are at a much higher risk than normal people. Prolonged high blood sugar damages the lining of blood vessels, making cholesterol and calcium easily deposit to form plaque. As a result, blood vessels gradually narrow and blood circulation is poor.

7 warning signs that your blood vessels may be clogged

• Chest pain, a squeezing or stabbing sensation behind the breastbone, which may radiate to the left shoulder, jaw, or back.
• Shortness of breath on exertion, reduced mobility compared to before.
• Sudden difficulty breathing, sometimes coughing up blood.
• Calf pain when walking short distances, relieved by sitting and resting.
• Transient numbness or loss of sensation in one arm or leg, accompanied by dizziness, headache, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, or crooked mouth.
• Cold hands and feet, slow wound healing or easy ulceration.
• Blood pressure fluctuates erratically and is difficult to control despite treatment.

Blood vessel obstruction is often caused by atherosclerosis.

ILLUSTRATION: AI

Methods for early detection of vascular occlusion

Doctor Bao Anh shared that currently there are many methods to help diagnose early conditions of narrowing and blockage of blood vessels, including:

Vascular Doppler ultrasound: safe, non-invasive, helps to observe blood flow and stenosis location.

ABI measurement: compares blood pressure between arms and legs to detect early lower limb arterial disease.

CT (computed tomography) angiography, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): provides detailed images of the vascular system, determining the level of blockage.

Blood test: check blood lipids and blood sugar - important risk factors related to atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Should have regular check-ups to promptly detect diseases

PHOTO: TH

Preventing blood vessel blockage

To prevent blood vessel blockage, Dr. Bao Anh recommends:

• Eat healthy, limit fat, eat lots of green vegetables, fish and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week.
• Control blood sugar, blood pressure and blood lipids as directed by your doctor.
• Absolutely do not smoke, limit alcohol.
• Regular cardiovascular check-ups: people aged 40 and over or with risk factors should have check-ups at least 1-2 times/year, people with low risk can have a general check-up and periodic blood vessel check-up every 1-2 years.

When symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness in limbs, unusual fatigue appear, patients need to immediately go to reputable medical facilities for timely examination and treatment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/alo-bac-si-nghe-7-dau-hieu-canh-bao-mach-mau-dang-bi-tac-nghen-185251006004605747.htm