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Arterial Disease: Causes and Care
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr S S Amarendra Babu , Vascular Endovascular Surgeon
Arterial conditions affect the arteries vital blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When these arteries become narrowed or blocked, often due to a condition called atherosclerosis, it can reduce blood flow and strain the heart.
People commonly notice symptoms such as chest pain, numbness in the limbs, or shortness of breath as early signs of arterial problems.
What is Arterial Disease?
The tissues that carry the oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body tissues become very narrowed or blocked. This disrupts blood flow, especially to the limbs and organs. Patients commonly experience leg pain while walking, numbness, cold feet or hands, and slow-healing wounds as early warning signs.
Types of Arterial Disease
Arterial disease will affect different parts of the body, not just the legs. It happens when arteries become narrow or blocked, reducing blood flow. Here are the main types explained simply:
- Atherosclerosis: This is the most common type. Fat and cholesterol will build up in the overall arteries, making them hard and narrow. It can affect any artery in the body.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This affects the heart. When heart arteries get blocked, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.
- Carotid Artery Disease: This happens in the neck arteries that carry blood to the brain. It can lead to dizziness, stroke, or weakness.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This affects the legs. You may feel leg pain, numbness, or slow-healing sores.
- Renal Artery Disease: This affects the arteries going to the kidneys. It can lead to high blood pressure or severe kidney problems.
- Mesenteric Artery Disease: These arteries supply the intestines. Blockage here can cause stomach pain after eating, weight loss, and digestive issues.
- Buerger's Disease: A rare condition usually found in smokers. It affects small arteries in the hands and feet, leading to pain or wounds.
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD): A rare condition where the artery walls grow abnormally, causing blockages or bulges in arteries, often in the kidneys or neck.
Arterial Symptoms and Warning Signs
When blood can't reach important parts of your body, like the heart, legs, brain, or kidneys, symptoms may appear. Early warning signs often start mild but can become serious if ignored.
Common Symptoms of Arterial Disease
These signs often appear slowly and may feel mild in the beginning:
- Leg pain during walking (called claudication) that improves with rest
- Cold hands or feet, even in warm weather
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Slow-healing cuts or sores on the feet or legs
- Shiny, pale, or bluish skin on the lower legs
- Hair loss on legs or feet
- Brittle toenails or slow nail growth
Arterial Disease Warning Signs
These may indicate serious artery blockage or reduced blood flow to vital organs:
- Chest pain or tightness, especially with activity
- Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion
- Pain in feet or toes while resting, especially at night
- Non-healing ulcers or blackened toes (a sign of advanced PAD)
- Dizziness or sudden weakness, which may point to carotid artery disease
- Pain after eating, possibly due to blocked arteries in the intestines
- Erectile dysfunction in men (linked to poor pelvic circulation)
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Arterial Disease
Common causes and risk factors for arterial diseases such as atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease (PAD) include smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight, and a lack of physical activity. Older age and a family history of heart or vascular problems can also increase the risk.
- Plaque Buildup (Atherosclerosis): The most common cause. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances stick to the artery walls and form plaque, which narrows the arteries and limits blood flow.
- Chronic Inflammation: Long-term inflammation in the body can damage the arteries over time, making them more prone to blockages.
- Endothelial Dysfunction: The inner lining of your arteries (called the endothelium) helps control blood flow. If it stops working properly, it increases the risk of plaque buildup.
- Genetic Factors: If close family members have heart disease or arterial problems, you may be more likely to develop them too.
- Blood Clotting Issues: Some people have conditions where their blood clots more easily, which can block arteries and reduce blood flow.
- Injury to Blood Vessels: Physical trauma or past surgeries can sometimes damage the arteries and affect blood circulation in the long run.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionArterial Disease Diagnosis
Diagnosing arterial disease is the first and most important step in preventing serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, or limb damage.
Medical History and Physical Examination
- Assess symptoms: chest pain, leg cramps, numbness
- Check risk factors: diabetes, high BP, cholesterol, smoking
- Physical exam: weak pulses, skin color, temperature changes
- Listen for arterial sounds (bruits) with a stethoscope
Non-Invasive Tests
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares BP in the ankle vs. the arm to detect PAD
- Doppler Ultrasound: Visualizes blood flow, detects blockages
- ECG/EKG: Checks the heart's electrical activity for ischemia signs
- Stress Test (Treadmill): Evaluates the heart under physical load
- CT Angiography (CTA): 3D artery imaging with contrast dye
- MR Angiography (MRA): MRI-based scan of blood vessels
- Coronary Calcium Score: Measures calcium buildup in heart arteries
Blood Investigations
- Lipid Profile: Detects high cholesterol (LDL, HDL)
- Blood Sugar (FBS/HbA1c): Identifies diabetes risk
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): An Inflammation marker for heart disease
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): Oxygen and CO2 levels in blood
Invasive and Advanced Tests
- Angiography: X-ray imaging with dye to locate artery blockages
- Cardiac Catheterization: Measures heart pressures and flow
- Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): Inside view of artery walls
- Arterial Biopsy: Checks for vasculitis or arterial inflammation
Whether you're experiencing leg pain while walking, chest discomfort, or numbness in your limbs, a timely and accurate diagnosis helps doctors find the root cause and tailor treatment effectively.
Treatment Options for Arterial Disease
Treating arterial disease depends on how severe the condition is, where it's located, and the overall health of the patient.
Lifestyle Modifications (First Line of Treatment)
Improving daily habits is often the first step to controlling and even reversing early-stage arterial disease.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages arteries and reduces oxygen in the blood. Quitting improves circulation within weeks.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on heart-healthy foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and less saturated fat.
- Exercise Regularly: Even 30 minutes of walking daily helps improve blood flow and reduce symptoms like leg pain.
- Weight Control: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on arteries.
Medications
Medications are prescribed to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and support artery health.
- Antiplatelet and Blood Thinners: e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and help prevent blood clots that can block narrowed arteries.
- Cholesterol-lowering Drugs: e.g., Statins and Lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and slow plaque buildup.
- Blood Pressure Medicines: e.g., ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, protect artery walls from damage.
- Diabetes Control Medications: Essential for preventing further vascular damage in diabetic patients.
- Interventional Procedures: When blockages are moderate to severe, minimally invasive techniques are used to restore blood flow.
- Angioplasty and Stent Placement: A tiny balloon opens the artery, and a stent is placed to keep it open.
- Atherectomy: A catheter-based device is used to shave off plaque from the artery walls.
- Thrombolytic Therapy: Special medication is injected to dissolve a blood clot quickly.
- Surgical Treatments: Surgery is considered when arteries are critically narrowed or blocked.
- Bypass Surgery: A healthy blood vessel (from the leg or chest) is used to bypass the blocked artery.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, your care doesn't stop at treatment. We focus on long-term management through:
- Regular checkups for BP, cholesterol, and sugar
- Follow-up imaging tests to monitor artery health
- Lifestyle counseling with dietitians and rehab therapists
- Continuous care from vascular specialists, cardiologists, and diabetologists
See an Arterial Disease Expert If You Have
If you're noticing any unusual symptoms related to blood flow or arteries, don't ignore them. Early check-ups can prevent serious problems like stroke or heart attack.
- Leg pain while walking that eases with rest
- Wounds on feet or toes that don't heal in 1 week
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- Changes in skin color (pale, bluish, or reddish)
Medicover's expert vascular doctors are here to help you with early diagnosis and proper treatment to avoid complications.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Consult Arterial Doctors Today
Recovery Process After Arterial Treatment
- Recovery after treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery focuses on healing and protecting your heart. Most people feel better and can return to daily activities within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the procedure.
- Follow-up check-ups are important to track your progress and adjust medications. You'll likely take blood thinners and other heart medicines as prescribed.
- A heart-healthy lifestyle is key: eat a balanced diet, exercise safely, quit smoking, and manage stress. Cardiac rehabilitation programs, like those at Medicover, can guide you with exercise, diet plans, and emotional support.
- Long-term, staying active, taking your medicines, and keeping up with follow-ups help you enjoy a healthier, stronger life.
Precautions Can Help Prevent Arterial Problems
Taking simple steps early can help you prevent arterial diseases and protect your heart and blood vessels.
Prevention Tips
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco damages arteries and increases the risk of blockage.
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking or moderate exercise most days.
- Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Get them checked regularly and follow your doctor's advice.
- Manage Diabetes: Keep your blood sugar levels within the recommended range.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can raise the risk of artery problems.
- Regular Screenings: Especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Complications If Arterial Issues are Ignored
Ignoring arterial symptoms can lead to serious health risks:
- Heart Attack or Stroke
- Severe Pain or Numbness in Limbs
- Organ Damage Due to Poor Blood Flow
- Infections and Non-Healing Wounds (especially in legs/feet)
- Tissue Death, sometimes requiring Amputation
| Do's | Dont's |
|---|---|
| Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your healthcare provider's recommendations, including medications, lifestyle changes, and follow-up appointments. | Don't Ignore Symptoms: If you experience shortness of breath, limb discomfort or numbness, or chest pain, don't ignore them seek medical help promptly. |
| Adopt a Healthy Diet: Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods. | Don't Skip Medications: Never stop prescribed medications without your doctor's advice, even if you feel better. |
| Stay Physically Active: Do regular exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling, as approved by your doctor, to support cardiovascular health. | Don't Smoke: Avoid smoking completely, as it significantly worsens arterial conditions and raises the risk of complications. |
| Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quit immediately to slow the progression of arterial disease and improve circulation. | Don't Consume Excessive Sodium: Avoid salty snacks and processed foods to help control blood pressure. |
| Manage Chronic Conditions: Keep diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check through lifestyle changes and prescribed medication. | Don't Overexert: While staying active is important, avoid overexertion, which could worsen your condition or cause injury. |
| Monitor Your Symptoms: Track any new or changing symptoms like numbness, pain, or wounds and report them to your doctor. | Don't Neglect Foot Care: Especially with PAD, neglecting foot care can lead to serious complications, and it is important to keep feet clean and protected. |
| Maintain a Healthy Weight: Eat balanced meals and stay active to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. | Don't Neglect Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with routine doctor visits even if you're feeling fine, and it helps in early detection and better management. |
| Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or hobbies to reduce stress levels. | Don't Ignore Weight Management: Uncontrolled weight can worsen arterial disease, so don't overlook its importance. |
| Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water supports overall circulation and cardiovascular function. | Don't Stress Unnecessarily: Chronic stress harms heart health, and practice mindful ways to keep it in check. |
| Protect Your Feet: If you have PAD, wear proper shoes, avoid injuries, and inspect your feet regularly for any cuts or ulcers. | Don't Delay Treatment: Starting treatment early gives better outcomes. Don't postpone or ignore professional care if needed. |
Our Experience in Treating Arterial Conditions at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we truly understand the worry and uncertainty that come with arterial conditions. We are committed to offering more than just treatment; we provide care with compassion and confidence.
Our experienced team of vascular specialists utilise advanced diagnostic tools and contemporary treatments to guarantee the right care to each and every patient at the right time. Whether you are in our office for a basic consultation or a more complex procedure, we ensure that you feel heard, supported and, above all, safe.
We walk with you at every step from diagnosis to recovery because your well-being journey matters to us. At Medicover, our mission is to help you live stronger, feel better, and move forward with a healthier heart and body.
