What is this Condition?

In arterial occlusive disease, the aorta and its major branches are blocked or become narrowed. This interrupts blood flow, usually to the legs and feet. The disorder may affect the carotid, vertebraL innominate, subclavian, mesenteric, and celiac arteries.

Occlusions may be acute or chronic and often cause severe ischemia, skin ulcers, and gangrene.

Arterial occlusive disease is more common in males than females.

What Causes it?

Arterial occlusive disease is a frequent complication of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries). The blockage may develop from internal causes, such as blood clot formation or thrombosis, or external causes, such as injury or fracture. Predisposing factors include smoking; aging; conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or fat levels, and diabetes; and a family history of blood vessel disorders, heart attack, or stroke.

What are its Symptoms?

Arterial occlusive disease may produce a wide variety of signs and symptoms, depending on which arteries are affected. For example, if occlusion occurs in arteries in the leg (such as the femoral artery), the person may may have pale, cool legs and pain in the feet. An important sign of arterial occlusive disease in the femoral artery is intermittent claudication, a pain in the calves upon exertion.

If the person develops an occlusion in the carotid artery, he or she may experience a transient ischemic attack - a sudden, brief episode of sensory and motor impairment, which may lead to a stroke.

How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of arterial occlusive disease is usually based on the person’s history and physical exam. Supportive diagnostic tests include arteriography and an ultrasound scan.

How is it Treated?

Generally, treatment of arterial occlusive disease depends on the cause, location, and size of the obstruction. For people with mild chronic disease, treatment usually consists of eliminating smoking, blood pressure control, and walking exercise. For people with carotid artery occlusion, drug therapy may begin with Persantine and aspirin. For those with intermittent claudication caused by chronic arterial occlusive disease, Trental may improve blood flow through the capillaries.

Acute arterial occlusive disease usually requires sutgery to restore circulation to the affected area.

What can a Person with Arterial Occlusive Disease do?

• Avoid wearing tight clothing .

• Practice proper foot care to prevent infection.