Silent Threat: Gradual Artery blockage Linked to Rising Heart Attack Cases
New York, NY – september 13, 2025 – While dramatic, sudden-onset heart attacks capture headlines, a more insidious and increasingly prevalent threat – the gradual blockage of a lesser-known artery - is quietly contributing to a important rise in cardiac events, medical experts warn. This often-overlooked condition, affecting millions, can lead to heart failure and debilitating chest pain long before a catastrophic event occurs.
Unlike the immediate blockage typically associated wiht a classic heart attack, this slow constriction develops over years, often without noticeable symptoms.The culprit is frequently plaque buildup in the posterior descending artery (PDA), a vessel supplying the back of the heart. Recent studies indicate that narrowing of the PDA is considerably correlated with reduced heart function and increased risk of adverse cardiac outcomes, particularly in individuals with existing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association estimates that heart disease claims the lives of over 697,000 Americans annually, and experts believe undetected PDA issues contribute to a substantial, yet unquantified, portion of these fatalities.
The PDA’s location makes early detection challenging. Standard electrocardiograms (ECGs) and stress tests may not always reveal blockages in this artery, leading to delayed diagnoses.”We’re seeing more patients present with unexplained shortness of breath or fatigue, only to discover significant PDA narrowing during more advanced imaging like cardiac CT scans or MRIs,” explains dr. Emily carter, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital.”This highlights the need for a more proactive approach to heart health screening, especially for those with multiple risk factors.”
The progression of PDA blockage often manifests as microvascular dysfunction, impacting the heart’s ability to efficiently pump blood.Symptoms can include persistent fatigue, unexplained weakness, and increasing difficulty with physical exertion. Early intervention, including lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, alongside medications to manage cholesterol and blood pressure, can significantly slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of a major cardiac event. Researchers are also exploring novel therapies targeting plaque stabilization and improved blood flow to the PDA, offering hope for a future where this silent threat is effectively managed.