Occluded artery

Occluded Artery
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue
Complications	Heart attack, stroke
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Atherosclerosis, blood clot
Risks	Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes
Diagnosis	Angiography, Doppler ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Medication, angioplasty, bypass surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

An occluded artery is a condition where an artery becomes blocked, restricting blood flow to tissues and organs. This can lead to serious health complications such as a heart attack or stroke.

Causes

The primary cause of an occluded artery is atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls. Other causes include a blood clot that can suddenly block an artery.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of artery occlusion, including:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

Symptoms

Symptoms of an occluded artery can vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage. Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Numbness or weakness in limbs

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an occluded artery typically involves:

• Angiography
• Doppler ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

Treatment

Treatment options for an occluded artery depend on the severity of the blockage and may include:

• Medication to manage symptoms and prevent further blockage
• Angioplasty to open up the blocked artery
• Bypass surgery to create a new pathway for blood flow

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels

See Also

• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Stroke

External Links

• [American Heart Association](https://www.heart.org/)
• [National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/)