Arterial Insufficiency – Symptoms & Treatments | MedStar Health

Reduced blood flow to the arteries

Arterial insufficiency occurs when an artery becomes narrowed or blocked. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause for this medical condition. Chronic arterial insufficiency slows the blood flow over time. Acute arterial insufficiency suddenly slows or stops blood flow creating a medical emergency which can be fatal if not treated.

Symptoms 

General symptoms of arterial insufficiency include:

  • Leg pain during exercise
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in skin color
  • Sores(ulcers) on legs that do not heal
  • Stomach pain that occurs shortly after a meal
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you experience the symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Tests

Abdominal Duplex Ultrasound

Abdominal duplex ultrasound is a combination of a traditional and Doppler ultrasound that assesses the blood vessels in your abdomen for blockages or aneurysms.

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs

Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Pulse Volume Recording

Pulse volume recording tests are used to evaluate blood flow through the arteries in your arms or legs.

Treatments

Angioplasty

Angioplasty improves blood flow through the arteries by clearing plaque buildup.

Carotid Enterectomy

Surgical removal of plaque in the carotid artery.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, restores normal blood flow through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries by using a healthy blood vessel taken from your leg, arm, or chest to create a detour around the problem area.

Stenting

Stenting often follows an angioplasty in which a doctor temporarily inserts and inflates a tiny balloon in a blood vessel to widen or unblock it. Your doctor may then recommend placing a stent, which can further improve and maintain blood flow.

Thrombolysis

Thrombolysis, also known as thrombolytic therapy, is a treatment to dissolve or break up dangerous blood clots that can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other conditions.

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.