Mesenteric Artery Stenosis is the narrowing of the arteries that supplies the blood to the intestines, known as the mesenteric arteries.
The main cause of Mesenteric Artery Stenosis is hardening of the arteries, atherosclerosis, or the build-up of fatty deposits called plaque in the arteries which reduces the amount of blood flow to the intestines.
You Have a Choice When It Comes to Vascular Care.
Get an Appointment at VIC In 1 to 3 days – Without a Referral!
You Have a Choice When It Comes to Vascular Care.
Get an Appointment at VIC In 1 to 3 days – Without a Referral!
The number one risk factor for all cardiovascular diseases is SMOKING, followed by family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, advancing age, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle.
Many times, patients do not present with symptoms. If the narrowing progresses and worsens, symptoms may appear. If the blood flow becomes blocked or the flow is limited, resulting in belly pain that will not go away, this is a symptom not to be ignored, but needing immediate medical attention.
The medical provider will start out with a complete history and physical, followed by appropriate lab work and testing. If the information from the results indicates a potential issue, the providers will order a test to check your arteries.
For many who have no symptoms, treatment can be suspended until the condition worsens. Simple things such as adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including incorporating the right foods and exercise into your daily routine, can make a difference. If, however, things get worse, a balloon angioplasty or stenting may be the procedure your surgeon will suggest. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the balloon to open the pathway for the blood to flow more freely.
Follow the instructions from your medical care team. Take appropriate medications that are prescribed. Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle along with an exercise program to keep active. Finally, manage your chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Mesenteric artery stenosis diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as duplex ultrasound (mesenteric artery stenosis ultrasound), angiography, MRI, or CT scan to check for narrowing in the mesenteric arteries.
Yes, mesenteric artery stenosis can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain after eating, feeling full quickly with small meals, frequent diarrhea with urgency, and unintentional weight loss. Some patients may experience severe abdominal pain along with vomiting, dizziness, and low blood pressure, which could indicate a need for emergency intervention.
Treatment for mesenteric artery stenosis is tailored to each patient’s situation following clinical examination and diagnostic testing. A minimally invasive approach, such as placing a small metallic stent within the mesenteric artery to improve blood flow to the intestinal circulation (addressing both superior mesenteric stenosis and inferior mesenteric artery stenosis), is often recommended. If stenting isn’t feasible, a surgical bypass can be performed, which is a more major but potentially life-saving operation.
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