Your arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to cells throughout the body. Blood usually flows freely through the arteries, but sometimes, blood flow is disrupted or limited by arterial insufficiency.
There are two types of arterial insufficiency. Acute arterial insufficiency occurs when a blood clot suddenly slows or stops blood flow. Chronic arterial insufficiency occurs due to atherosclerosis, which is when plaque (cholesterol and other fatty deposits) gradually blocks an artery.
Conditions related to acute arterial insufficiency are considered medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment. Chronic arterial insufficiency can lead to emergency health issues, such as a heart attack, when plaque builds up over time.
Insufficient blood flow can occur in arteries throughout the body. Many medical conditions are linked to arterial insufficiency, including:
- Arterial occlusive disease: When a vein or artery becomes narrowed due to plaque buildup or disease.
- Carotid artery disease: When fatty deposits block the carotid arteries, which are blood vessels that carry blood to the brain and head.
- Coronary artery disease: When plaque in the coronary arteries blocks blood flow to the heart; this is the most common form of heart disease.
- Critical limb ischemia: When there is a severe blockage in the arteries of the arms and lower extremities, including the legs.
- Ischemic attack: When a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain, causing a stroke.
- Mesenteric artery ischemia: When plaque builds up in the mesenteric artery, cutting off blood flow to the intestines.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): When blood flow in the arteries is disrupted or cut off.
- Pulmonary embolism: When a blood clot forms in an artery supplying blood to the lungs, cutting off blood flow.
- Renal artery disease: When plaque blocks the renal arteries, which supply blood to the kidneys.
- Transient ischemic attack: When a blood clot temporarily blocks the flow of blood to the brain.
- Vertebral artery disease: When fatty deposits block the vertebral arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood to the back of the brain.
Whether you are affected by an acute form of arterial insufficiency or a chronic one, the team at the Comprehensive Vascular Clinic at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is here to help. We offer the latest advancements and expertise for conditions affecting blood flow, including diagnostic tools and treatment options.
The symptoms of arterial insufficiency vary depending on the artery and part of the body affected. For example, mesenteric artery ischemia, which affects the intestines, may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or stomach discomfort. Peripheral artery disease may cause discomfort in the legs or feet.
Symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Impotence
- Leg pain that stops when resting
- Pain in the feet and legs
- Skin changes or ulcers
- Unexpected weight loss
Some symptoms related to arterial insufficiency indicate that immediate medical attention is needed. These emergency symptoms include:
- Chest pain, whether sudden or lingering
- Fainting
- Pale or discolored skin
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
You should also seek emergency care if you experience potential signs of an ischemic attack (a stroke). These include sudden difficulty communicating, vision loss and weakness on one side of the body.
There are two primary causes of arterial insufficiency:
- Acute arterial insufficiency is typically caused by thrombosis, or a blood clot. Clots can form in any part of the body.
- Chronic arterial insufficiency is most often caused by atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries caused by plaque.
While you can’t prevent the development of a blood clot, you can lower your risk of chronic arterial insufficiency with healthy lifestyle habits.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, lean meats, nuts, beans, fish and whole grains. Limit sodium, added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Avoid vaping and secondhand smoke as well.
- Keep updated on vaccines. Ask your provider about flu, COVID-19 and other vaccines that can help you avoid illness.
- Limit alcohol. Men should have no more than two drinks per day and women should have no more than one drink each day.
- Manage other health problems. Take medication for high blood pressure and diabetes and follow your provider’s guidance.
- Sleep well. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
- Stay physically active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Talk to your provider about what exercises are good for you. Be sure to watch for signs that your heart is working too hard. If you become short of breath or dizzy while exercising, stop and rest.
- Watch your weight. Take steps to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
If you have any specific risk factors for arterial insufficiency, talk with your primary care provider about other steps you can take to lower your risk.
Arterial insufficiency can affect any person of any age, but certain factors can increase your risk. Risk factors include:
- Atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm
- Diabetes
- Estrogen-based birth control medications
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Smoking or other tobacco use
Because acute arterial insufficiency is most often related to blood clots, those who have medical conditions related to blood clotting may be at a higher risk. This includes people who have protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency and thrombophilia.
People diagnosed with arterial insufficiency often live long and healthy lives with effective treatment. Your specific prognosis will depend on several factors. These include whether you have acute or chronic arterial insufficiency and how quickly you were diagnosed and treated.
In most cases, your first visit to UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and managing your vascular condition.
Diagnosing vascular disease is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all the information that can help pinpoint the source of your vascular issue.
Along with discussing your medical history, you will undergo a physical examination. Your care team will then be able to determine the proper next step to take on your diagnostic journey.
When appropriate, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. These tests typically take place on a different day, and your care team helps schedule them at your convenience. In some cases, you will undergo an ultrasound or other testing as part of your initial visit.
When coming to your first vascular appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medications or supplements you take. You should also list any previous surgeries, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier for your team to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink normally. In most cases, you won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions. If specialized testing is part of your first visit, a team member will call to explain any dietary restrictions to follow for your visit. We will also mail you a letter with instructions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are
UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is located at 740 S. Limestone on the fifth floor, wing D, room L-504.
Where to park
Please park in the parking garage across the street, which is located at 140 Huguelet Drive. For easiest access, drive to the back of the garage and use one of the parking spots reserved for patients of the Comprehensive Vascular Clinic. Once inside, you can access further assistance at the information desk. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Our vascular care experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond improve their vascular health every day. To improve the future of treatment and management of vascular conditions, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, our staff engages in trials for new treatments and devices that provide better treatment and management of vascular conditions. By offering access to clinical trials, we provide access to vascular treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
SCHEDULE AN
APPOINTMENT
CONNECT WITH US ON
SOCIAL MEDIA
