Healthy arteries allow oxygen-rich blood and essential nutrients to flow smoothly throughout the body. However, due to unhealthy lifestyle choices, cholesterol and fat particles can gradually build up inside these arteries, leading to narrowing or complete blockage. (1)


In coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of cardiovascular disease, these deposits accumulate in the arteries supplying blood to the heart, causing symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and increasing the risk of heart attacks. (1)

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Blockage

Symptoms of artery blockage may not appear for many years because fatty deposits accumulate gradually. However, as the arteries become more narrowed, symptoms begin to emerge, including: (2)(3)

1. Chest Pain (Angina)

✔ Varies in intensity—from mild discomfort similar to indigestion to severe pressure or tightness in the chest.

✔ May radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.

✔ Triggered by physical exertion (such as climbing stairs) or emotional stress.

✔ Subsides within 10 minutes with rest or after taking a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue.


2. Shortness of Breath

✔ Feeling breathless or struggling to catch your breath.


3. Fatigue

✔ Unusual tiredness, often accompanied by shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat, as the heart works harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries.

These symptoms may worsen over time as artery narrowing progresses.


Symptoms of a Heart Attack

If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack may occur. While its symptoms resemble angina, a heart attack is life-threatening because the heart is not receiving enough blood supply. Signs of a heart attack include: (2)(3)

1. Chest Pain

✔ Pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest.

✔ Pain spreading to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper abdomen.

✔ Lasts more than 15 minutes and does not improve with rest or nitroglycerin tablets.

2. Other Symptoms

✔ Cold sweats.

✔ Severe fatigue.

✔ Heartburn-like sensation.

✔ Nausea.

✔ Dizziness or lightheadedness.


⚠ Heart attack symptoms may vary in women, elderly individuals, and diabetics. Some may not experience chest pain at all, or they may feel mild discomfort similar to indigestion in the upper stomach.


What Should You Do If You Experience Symptoms of Coronary Artery Blockage?

Do not ignore chest pain! If you experience chest discomfort that worsens with physical activity and improves with rest, schedule an appointment with a doctor for diagnostic tests to assess or rule out artery blockage and take necessary precautions. (4)




📞 Call Emergency Services (999) immediately if chest pain lasts longer than 15 minutes, as it may indicate a heart attack requiring urgent medical intervention.

While waiting for an ambulance: Chew and swallow an aspirin tablet (preferably 300 mg) as an emergency measure—unless you have an aspirin allergy. (2)







🚑 Do not hesitate to contact Al-Ahli Hospital’s Emergency Department if you experience symptoms of coronary artery blockage or any other medical emergency—your health and safety are our top priority.



Why Choose Al-Ahli Hospital’s Heart Care Center?

At Al-Ahli Hospital, we provide 24/7 comprehensive cardiac care, even on holidays and weekends, with:

✔ Highly skilled cardiologists, consultants, and specialists.

✔ Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic coronary catheterization procedures.

✔ Cutting-edge medical technology for precise heart health assessments.

💙 Take care of your heart today! Book your appointment at Al-Ahli Hospital’s Heart Care Center and receive expert consultation, diagnosis, and treatment.


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