What is the treatment for subclavian artery stenosis?
Most subclavian blockages can be treated with stents, but in some cases, surgery may be needed. With surgery, blood flow is rerouted across the blockage using a small plastic tube called a bypass graft. Both stents and surgery are highly effective treatments and often help symptoms improve.
Does renal artery stenosis cause high blood pressure?
The renal artery can narrow so much that the kidney doesn’t get an adequate supply of blood and can lead to high blood pressure at a young age.
How serious is a blocked subclavian artery?
If you have subclavian artery disease, you have a higher chance of developing this buildup in other arteries throughout your body, which can lead to a heart attack, chest pain, stroke or cramping (claudication) in the legs.
Can a blocked artery cause high blood pressure?
Blood pressure rises when the arteries are blocked and the blood can no longer flow freely. This is particularly pronounced during strenuous situations, as the heart must work even harder to supply the body with enough oxygen and nutrients.
What does subclavian artery stenosis mean?
In subclavian stenosis, the artery is simply narrowed, leading to decreased blood flow beyond the area of blockage. When the subclavian blockage is severe, or if the artery is completely blocked, a condition called ‘subclavian steal’ can occur (Figure 4).
Why does hypertension increase left ventricular size?
Your heart muscle cells may get larger in response to some factor that causes the left ventricle to work harder, such as high blood pressure or a heart condition. As the left ventricle’s workload increases, the muscle tissue in the chamber wall thickens. Sometimes, the size of the chamber itself also increases.
What is the prevalence of stenosis of the left subclavian artery?
About half of patients with the known peripheral arterial disease have stenosis of the left subclavian artery (30%). In patients with subclavian artery disease, half of them have coronary artery disease, and one-third have carotid or vertebral disease.
What are the symptoms of subclavian artery stenosis?
While some patients have symptoms, most do not. Most patients with subclavian artery stenosis do not have significant symptoms. In fact, a common presentation of subclavian artery stenosis is a blood pressure difference between arms. A difference of greater than 20 mmHg suggests a significant stenosis.
What is the main cause of subclavian artery disease?
The cause is typically atherosclerosis. It is usually a disease of smokers and of diabetics. There are other causes, such as vasculitis and trauma, among others. The left subclavian artery is involved more often than the right. While some patients have symptoms, most do not.
What are the treatment options for subclavian artery stenosis?
Optimal medical care is the first step for anyone with subclavian artery stenosis. If the etiology is atherosclerosis, treatment includes cardiovascular risk factor modification and an antiplatelet agent. Consider an antiplatelet agent even if the etiology is vasculitis, especially if the narrowing is severe.