Understanding Heart Blockage: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

by: dr. Novita Sitorus, Sp.JP(K)

What is Heart Blockage?

Heart blockage occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen to the heart, narrow or become blocked. This reduces the oxygen supply to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of a heart attack. According to Dr. Novita Sitorus, Sp.JP(K), Intervention Cardiologist Consultant at RS Premier Jatinegara, this condition often develops slowly with no symptoms, especially in patients with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Symptoms of Heart Blockage

Symptoms commonly associated with heart blockage include:

• Heavy pressure in the chest: A sensation like being squeezed or crushed by a heavy object.
• Radiating pain: The pain can spread to the jaw, shoulder, left arm, and back.
• Shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Palpitations.

It’s important to note that these symptoms don’t always present as classic chest pain. In some people, the complaints may resemble stomach issues, such as heartburn, or even just fatigue. This often leads to misdiagnosis as digestive problems like GERD or acid reflux, while in reality, the heart muscle may be lacking oxygen.

Causes of Heart Blockage

Heart blockage is often caused by a build-up of fatty plaque inside the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of heart blockage include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Older age, or even young age for active smokers

How to Prevent Heart Blockage

To prevent heart blockage, the first step is to manage risk factors. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of heart blockage:

• Quit smoking and avoid habits that worsen heart health.
• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to keep them in check.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Routine medical check-ups: Regular health check-ups are highly recommended, especially for those with risk factors or a family history of heart disease.

What to Do If Symptoms Appear?

If you experience symptoms like chest pain or have risk factors, it’s important to seek a health check-up immediately. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent further complications. RS Premier Jatinegara offers complete cardiology services, including tests and treatments for heart disease.
 

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