In the event of an acute arterial occlusion, our blood cannot flow through our vessels as usual. The consequences of this circulatory disorder can be life-threatening, as there is a risk of a stroke or heart attack. Read here which signs can point to a blocked artery.
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What is an arterial occlusion?
Our arteries are like highways that run through our bodies and supply blood to our organs. When an artery is blocked by a clot, congestion occurs. The clot can either clog the vessel locally or be carried further in the bloodstream. The blood cannot be transported as usual, so that organs, cells and tissues are not sufficiently supplied with oxygen. An arterial occlusion is usually found where the vessels are particularly narrow or branch. This can be the case, for example, in the legs or in the brain.
Acute arterial occlusion: Signs of clogged arteries
You can recognize a vascular occlusion by the following signs:
- Severe pain in the affected extremities.
- The skin is blue, purple, or pale in the affected area.
- The pulse can no longer be felt in the affected area.
- The body part feels numb. Touch, temperature or other stimuli are hardly noticed.
- Limbs can no longer be moved properly.
If the artery is not completely blocked, the symptoms are less pronounced.
Causes of clogged arteries
The occlusion is usually caused by a blood clot or arterial thrombosis , i.e. an arterial occlusion on site. These arise as a result of cardiac arrhythmia , a defective heart valve and, in particular, vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis . In arteriosclerosis, cholesterol deposits constrict the blood vessels. This makes blood flow more difficult, which can lead to circulatory disorders and thus to a poorer supply of oxygen to cells and organs.
Other risk factors that promote such circulatory disorders are high blood fat levels, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, high blood pressure, lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet. Other causes of thrombosis include immobilization of an extremity (e.g., due to being bedridden or being placed in a cast), sitting for long periods of time in cramped conditions (such as when traveling by plane), or regular smoking .
Treatment of an acute arterial occlusion
An arterial occlusion is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately, otherwise there is a risk of life-threatening consequences such as a heart attack , stroke and infections in organs such as the kidneys, spleen or intestines. Those affected should keep the affected leg or arm low. This ensures that the blood circulation is improved and the pain decreases. You can pad the affected area with something, do not cool or heat it. Depending on the extent of the blockage, the clot is dissolved with medication or removed with surgical procedures. With the help of a catheter, the vascular constriction can be widened and the blood flow can be normalized. In the case of longer, clogged sections of artery, a bypass operation is possible, in which bypasses are created.
Prevent vascular occlusion as much as possible
Live as healthily as possible – this is probably the best tip for preventing circulatory disorders and thus arterial occlusion in the best possible way. If you eat healthily, you can not only reduce dangerous cholesterol deposits, but also prevent other health risks such as obesity or diabetes. Fruit and vegetables should be on your daily menu. Saturated fats, sugar or alcohol should only be consumed in moderation or, ideally, avoided altogether. Also rely on regular exercise so that your blood vessels remain elastic and your cardiovascular system is strengthened. Doctors recommend endurance sports such as jogging, cycling or swimming. Another risk factor are cigarettes: The nicotine leads to narrowing of the arteries and thus to poorer blood circulation.
