Arterial insufficiency

Arteries of the brain

The internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries supply blood to the brain.

Definition

Arterial insufficiency is a lack of enough blood flow through the arteries.

See also:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

One of the most common causes of arterial insufficiency is atherosclerotic disease.

Symptoms

Arterial insufficiency can affect many different parts of the body. The specific symptoms may indicate which artery is involved.

If heart arteries are involved, it can cause symptoms of heart attack.

If brain arteries are involved, it can cause symptoms of stroke.

If the arteries of the lower abdomen or legs are involved, you might have repeated episodes of leg cramping when you walk.

Arterial insufficiency also can affect the arteries in the abdomen, causing pain after you eat meals.

References

Goldman L. Approach to the patient with possible cardiovascular disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 48.

See also:

  • Disease

    Atherosclerosis

    Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery

    Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens (forms calcium deposits), and may eventually block the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. The two terms are often used to mean the same thing.

  • Disease

    Stroke

    Brain

    A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. A stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack.” See also: (AVM)

  • Disease

    Venous insufficiency

    Heart, front view

    Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. See also:

  • Special Topic

    Anterior

    Anatomical landmarks, front view

    Anterior means “in front of” or “the front surface of.” The term usually refers to the front side of the body. For example, your knee caps and your face are on the anterior surfaces of your body.

Review date:
November 15, 2009
Reviewed by:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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