Narrowed arteries occur when the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body become constricted. This narrowing can be caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaque, on the artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis. As arteries narrow, blood flow can be restricted, leading to various health issues. When arteries are narrowed, the heart must work harder to pump blood through these constricted vessels. This can result in symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath. If left untreated, narrowed arteries can increase the risk of serious conditions like heart attack or stroke.