Another sign is referred pain or swelling on the left side of your body, such as your left shoulder or arm. You may have difficulty breathing, especially when walking, because not enough oxygen is circulating in your arteries.
In some people, there are no symptoms, and plaque can continue to form in the arteries for decades undetected until a blockage occurs. If left untreated, arterial plaque can thicken, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clot, or death.
