Common Arterial Diseases
Arterial disease usually occurs when plaque or fatty deposits form beneath the walls of the artery (called “atherosclerosis”) or when blood clots occur in the arteries. Common arterial diseases, along with their symptoms, include:
Definition
“Peripheral” arterial disease is broadly defined by blockage in any artery beyond the heart. “PAD” is most commonly used to describe narrowing of arteries to the leg.
Common Symptoms
- Discomfort, cramping, fatigue or pain in the leg muscles that always occurs with activity and is promptly relieved by rest. This symptom is also called “claudication.”
- When PAD is severe, foot pain can occur at rest and skin ulcers can develop.
- Some people have no symptoms at all.
Associated Risk
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death
- Amputation
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Definition
Narrowing of the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. Impaired blood flow to the brain increases the risk of stroke. Common Symptoms
- Some people have no symptoms at all.
- Sudden localized weakness
- New numbness on only one side of the body
- Temporary confusion
- New slurred speech
- New loss of balance
- Sudden loss of vision
Associated Risk
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Definition
The aorta is the main artery that delivers blood from the heart to the body An aortic aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning of the wall of the aorta. When the wall of the aorta expands, it becomes weaker and could rupture. Common Symptoms
- There are usually no major symptoms prior to the rupture of an aneurysm.
- Patients may feel abdominal, back or side pain when the aneurysm ruptures.
- Most aneurysms are detected from diagnostic tests (such as x-rays) that were given for other health problems.
Associated Risk
- When an aneurysm is detected, your physician will carefully monitor it.
- Rupture of an aortic aneurysm is life threatening.
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Definition
Kidney function and blood pressure depend on blood flow to the kidney. A narrowed kidney artery can reduce blood flow, which can damage the kidney tissue or increase blood pressure. Common Symptoms
Associated Risk
- Damage to the kidney or kidney failure
- Severe high pressure
- Severe heart failure or angina
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