Clogged/narrowed arteries?

Idk about the arterial disease, probably something for a medical professional to answer. But here’s some good news for you, the muscle aches from working out became less painful for me a few weeks in. I hope it’s the same for you

There is no quick, simple way to determine if one has clinically significant coronary artery disease. Part of the problem is that most heart attacks are caused by the sudden closure of a coronary artery due to a clot forming at the site of ruptured plaque. People can walk around with 60%,70%,80% blockages and not have any symptoms if no clot forms. Even something like a stress test is unlikely to detect this if there is no significant restriction of blood flow to the heart.

Coronary risk is assessed via an analysis of risk factors. Someone with hypertension, diabetes, low HDL, high LDL, or a family history of premature heart disease will be at greater risk.

8-10 years ago, a number of institutions were offering a test called ultrafast CT scanning. The test scanned for calcium deposits in coronary arteries. There was some relationship between calcium levels and the amount of disease present. The test was quick and relatively inexpensive (less than $200). There were some accuracy issues as with any test of this type, but if you were at the far edges (very low or very high), the test had predictive value. I don’t know if they still do these anymore.

Exercising and some foods can help to reduce the fat in your arteries. Whilst I can understand wanting to know the answer, unless you have unexplained symptoms, would knowing alter anything or would it actually just cause you stress which would be potentially more damaging?

I'm going to provide a more optimistic (and realistic) view on this.

First of all, just like metabolism there is really no damage you cannot undo with good behavior. You ache in your muscles because you've neglected using them for some time and now your body is adjusting. If you keep this up your body will construct new capillary beds to support this new activity.

Your body works in the most efficient manner and does not support structures not in use. If you stop using a muscle your body efficiently reduces supply of energy to that muscle.

No reason to be concerned. Keep up the activity and eating within your caloric budget. Get your lipids tested and then check it again in 6 months and see if there are any differences.

ninerbuff wrote: »

There are no definite signs, but some to look for:

Pain in lower limbs pretty frequently.
Cold feet or toes all the time (even in warm rooms).
Slow toenail growth.



A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Those can also be signs and symptoms of poor circulation in the lower extremities which can be caused by varicose veins or an abdominal aneurysm, and not necessarily due to clogged arteries due to poor eating habits, smoking, obesity, or high BMI (although those factors make increase the risk). They also have a genetic component.

If anybody has a familiar history of aneurysms or varicose veins, the doctor can request an abdominal ultrasound and also a neck ultrasound to determine if the aorta has been compromised. Most insurance pay for these tests. However @robbyh501 I think that if you are worry about the state of your veins, you may ask the doctor for his/her opinion about the need of doing some tests. Your life is worthy, isn't it?

robbyh501 wrote: »

Are there any definite signs or symptoms of arterial disease that occur during the onset of atherosclerosis to watch out for?

Without doing an angiogram, cardiogram or other tests/scans, I believe that the primary risk factors for heart or arterial disease are obesity, high blood pressure, high "bad" cholesterol levels, diabetes, a history of smoking and/or a history of heart/arterial disease in one's family.

Sir!!!!
Do yourself, your loved ones and any fitness trainer you’re working with a HUGE favor and go to a flipping doctor. At MINIMUM get your BP checked and lipid profile. Have a carotid artery ultrasound. AT MINIMUM!
Maybe you’re one of the lucky cusses that was able to dodge the junk food/trans fat bullet. But you don’t know that do ya?
Pay the doctor now rather than an E.R. Visit and a cardiac bypass surgery fee!!!
I’m a registered vascular and cardiac sonographer. I work with some of the top cardiac and vascular surgeons in the world. Don’t risk your life over a couple hundred dollars and a few hours of your time.