Occluded artery

Occluded Artery

File:Artery diagram.jpg

Diagram of an artery with atherosclerosis, a common cause of arterial occlusion.

An occluded artery refers to a blood vessel that has been blocked or constricted, preventing blood flow. This can occur in any artery within the body and is often caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or embolism.

Causes

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of arterial occlusion. It is a condition where plaque, a substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood, builds up inside the arteries. Over time, this plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body.

Thrombosis and embolism are other common causes of arterial occlusion. Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, while embolism refers to a blood clot, air bubble, piece of fatty deposit, or other object that has been carried in the bloodstream to lodge in a vessel and cause an occlusion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an occluded artery can vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness, or coldness in the limbs, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or stroke.

Treatment

Treatment for an occluded artery typically involves lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, prevent further plaque buildup, and reduce the risk of blood clots.

See also

• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Stroke