Narrowed or Blocked Arteries
What it is?
Arteries are the conduits that bring blood to various parts of the body. There are many conditions that can cause arteries to get narrowed or completely blocked. By far the most common cause is Atherosclerosis, which occurs due to a gradual build up of fatty debris within the wall of the artery. Some degree of atherosclerosis is almost inevitable with aging but other factors like smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can increase the severity and age of onset of the disease.
What are the symptoms?
The human body has built in mechanisms to compensate for arterial narrowing and sometimes even complete blockage. Hence, it is possible not to experience major symptoms despite evidence of arterial problems coming to light. Naturally, symptoms depend on the artery affected. Lower limb symptoms can range from pain on walking to constant pain even at rest often relieved by hanging the leg over the edge of the bed. They can also lead to painful, non-healing wounds and gangrene of the toes. Arteries that supply the gut are called mesenteric arteries and problems of these arteries can cause abdominal pain after food and weight loss. Diseased renal (kidney) arteries can cause kidney failure or high blood pressure that is difficult to control. Upper limb arterial problems while uncommon, can present with pain, numbness and bluish discoloration of fingers.
How is it diagnosed?
A clinical examination in a person with symptoms or with risk factors often reveals the possibility of narrowed arteries. Non-invasive tests such as a Doppler examination and Ultrasound imaging can give additional information on the severity of arterial insufficiency. Further imaging may be sought prior to treatment and this generally is in the form of an angiogram.
How is it treated?
Managing the underlying risk factors are extremely important and are often sufficient to halt the progress of the disease and allow the body to heal and compensate. Stopping to smoke if you do so, not only stops further damage to arteries but also improves the chances of having a successful intervention. Correcting the arterial narrowing/ blockage can be done with minimally invasive balloon angioplasty or stenting but in some cases may require a surgical bypass procedure.
Arteries are the conduits that bring blood to various parts of the body. There are many conditions that can cause arteries to get narrowed or completely blocked. By far the most common cause is Atherosclerosis, which occurs due to a gradual build up of fatty debris within the wall of the artery. Some degree of atherosclerosis is almost inevitable with aging but other factors like smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can increase the severity and age of onset of the disease.
What are the symptoms?
The human body has built in mechanisms to compensate for arterial narrowing and sometimes even complete blockage. Hence, it is possible not to experience major symptoms despite evidence of arterial problems coming to light. Naturally, symptoms depend on the artery affected. Lower limb symptoms can range from pain on walking to constant pain even at rest often relieved by hanging the leg over the edge of the bed. They can also lead to painful, non-healing wounds and gangrene of the toes. Arteries that supply the gut are called mesenteric arteries and problems of these arteries can cause abdominal pain after food and weight loss. Diseased renal (kidney) arteries can cause kidney failure or high blood pressure that is difficult to control. Upper limb arterial problems while uncommon, can present with pain, numbness and bluish discoloration of fingers.
How is it diagnosed?
A clinical examination in a person with symptoms or with risk factors often reveals the possibility of narrowed arteries. Non-invasive tests such as a Doppler examination and Ultrasound imaging can give additional information on the severity of arterial insufficiency. Further imaging may be sought prior to treatment and this generally is in the form of an angiogram.
How is it treated?
Managing the underlying risk factors are extremely important and are often sufficient to halt the progress of the disease and allow the body to heal and compensate. Stopping to smoke if you do so, not only stops further damage to arteries but also improves the chances of having a successful intervention. Correcting the arterial narrowing/ blockage can be done with minimally invasive balloon angioplasty or stenting but in some cases may require a surgical bypass procedure.