Arterial insufficiency is reduced blood flow in your arteries. These are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your entire body. Plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) and blood clots are often the culprits. Symptoms depend on the artery affected. Lifestyle changes, medications and procedures can help you lower your risk of complications.
Arterial insufficiency is reduced blood flow through one or more of your arteries. It happens when your artery becomes narrowed or blocked. Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) is the most common cause.
Your arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Your organs and tissues rely on this supply of blood to function. So, when your arteries can’t send enough blood to your body, you’re at risk of serious complications.
There are two main forms of arterial insufficiency:
Early diagnosis and treatment of arterial insufficiency can lower your risk of complications.
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Arterial insufficiency reduces blood flow to many different parts of your body, including your major organs and limbs. How arterial insufficiency affects your body depends on which arteries are narrowed or blocked.
Narrowing or blockage in your:
Keep in mind that arterial insufficiency ultimately affects every part of your body. You may notice symptoms in the part of your body closest to the artery that’s the most blocked, but the same process leading to arterial insufficiency in that area may be happening in other parts of the body. For example, if you have chronic arterial insufficiency in your leg from atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), you’re at higher risk of having it in your heart as well.
Every part of your body needs oxygen to survive. When an organ or tissue is suddenly deprived of oxygen, as with acute arterial insufficiency, it can fail within a matter of hours. As a result, arterial insufficiency can lead to life-threatening emergencies including:
Arterial insufficiency can be fatal if not treated. That’s why it’s important to learn the signs and symptoms and talk with your provider about your risks.
Arterial insufficiency refers to blood flow problems in your arteries. Venous insufficiency refers to blood flow problems in your veins. Your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart to the rest of your body. Your veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to your heart.
Both conditions affect blood flow, but they have different causes. Plaque buildup in your arteries causes arterial insufficiency. Damage to the veins in your legs causes venous insufficiency.
Arterial insufficiency can happen anywhere in your body. Venous insufficiency affects your legs.
Both conditions can cause pain or discomfort in your legs. If your legs feel achy, heavy, swollen or tired, see your provider to discuss your symptoms and their cause.
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Some people have no symptoms at all until the condition progresses far or leads to a medical emergency. Others have signs and symptoms that include:
You may have narrowed or blocked arteries in more than one part of your body. For example, people who have peripheral artery disease (PAD) are more likely than others to have coronary artery disease. So, you may have a combination of symptoms that points to a range of problems. That’s why it’s essential to tell your provider about any symptoms as soon as you notice them, even if they seem mild.
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you have any of the following symptoms. These are symptoms of a medical emergency:
Some symptoms may prevent you from making a call. Consider having a medical alert device (like a necklace) with you at all times. Also, tell your family and friends about the signs and symptoms so they can notice them right away and call 911 for you.
The most common causes of arterial insufficiency are:
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Providers diagnose arterial insufficiency through a medical history and physical exam. Your provider will ask you many questions to learn as much as possible about your condition. Some questions they may ask include:
Your provider will also talk with you about:
During your physical exam, your provider may:
Your provider will learn a lot from this exam. But they may also order tests to learn even more about your arteries.
Tests that help diagnose arterial insufficiency in various parts of your body include:
Treatment for atrial insufficiency depends on the cause and the level of severity. Talk with your provider about the treatment that’s best for you. Treatments include:
Arterial insufficiency can happen to anyone, but some people face a higher risk. You’re more likely to develop arterial insufficiency if you have these medical conditions:
Other risk factors include:
Lifestyle factors can make a huge difference in lowering your risk for arterial insufficiency. Things you can do include:
In many cases, you can manage arterial insufficiency with treatment. Your outlook depends on your specific condition and how far it’s progressed. Talk with your provider about your prognosis and how best to manage your condition.
Tips for living with arterial insufficiency include:
Keep all your appointments and follow-ups. Your provider will let you know how often you need to come in.
Also, call your provider right away if you notice any new or changing symptoms. It may be helpful to print out a list of symptoms and keep them nearby. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to miss a symptom or brush it off as no big deal. Stay aware of the things you should look out for, and share this information with your loved ones.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you’ve learned you have arterial insufficiency, you might be wondering, “how can I fix it?” That’s often a person’s first reaction to any health problem. You may wish you could go back in time and do something differently. But this is a time to look forward, not back.
Focus on the here and now. What changes can you make right away? Which ones are most important? Ask your provider for guidance on lifestyle changes and treatment. Most of all, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Your provider and your entire care team are there to support you in improving the health of your arteries.
Last reviewed on 06/22/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy