Everyone gets tired.
But persistent or unexplained fatigue can sometimes accompany cardiovascular disease.
If the heart is struggling to meet the body’s demands, ordinary activities may feel unusually exhausting.
Someone might notice that grocery shopping, climbing stairs, or doing household chores suddenly requires much more effort.
Fatigue alone is extremely nonspecific.
Poor sleep, stress, depression, infections, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, medications, and many other factors can cause it.
Still, unexplained fatigue that represents a significant change from your usual energy level should not be ignored.
4. Pain or Cramping in the Legs While Walking
Blocked arteries don’t only affect the heart.
Atherosclerosis can also reduce blood flow to the legs, causing a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD).
One classic symptom is intermittent claudication.
A person may develop aching, cramping, heaviness, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, or buttock while walking. The discomfort may improve after resting.
The pattern can be subtle.
Someone might assume they’re simply getting older or becoming less fit.
But recurring leg discomfort during walking can be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
PAD is important because it can indicate a broader problem with blood vessels throughout the body.
5. Cold Feet or Hands
Reduced circulation can sometimes contribute to unusually cold extremities.
Someone may notice that their feet feel colder than they used to, particularly compared with the rest of the body.
However, cold hands and feet are extremely common and can have many causes.
