Arteries are blood vessels that take blood from the heart to the tissues. These blood vessels can become blocked. If they do, this is called arterial occlusive disease.

The effects of occlusive disease depend on which vessels are blocked. This disease is often caused by high cholesterol and affects vessels in the abdomen and legs. If blood vessels in the legs are blocked, a person can have pain when they exercise their legs. If the blockage is very serious, they can have gangrene. If vessels in the abdomen are affected, a person can have leg pain, abdominal pain, or kidney problems. Lack of blood to the kidneys can also cause high blood pressure. If other blood vessels, such as those to the arms or brain are affected, problems will show up in these areas.

Besides cholesterol, there are other causes of this disease. Sometimes there is an infection or blood clot which causes small clots to become lodged in the arteries. At other times, there can be a swelling of the arteries.

The treatment of arterial occlusive disease depends on the cause. It also depends on which arteries are affected. Persons who smoke should stop if they have this disease. Diabetes will also make the problem worse. If the problem is caused by a build-up of plaques, patients should reduce the cholesterol and fats in their diet. If is caused by another problem, such as inflammation, there will be specific medicines for the disease.

Sometimes surgery is used to treat blocked arteries. During surgery another blood vessel or a piece of tubing is used to bypass the blockage. After the surgery, it is very important for patients to try to change the behaviors that caused the arterial occlusion.

For more information, contact your American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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