Blood Vessel Symptoms

Blood vessel symptoms may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the blood vessels may also involve other body systems.

The most common symptoms of atherosclerosis are related to disturbances in the arteries of the heart, brain and limbs.

Symptoms related to arteries in the heart include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) or rapid breathing (tachypnea)

Symptoms related to arteries in the brain include:

• Confusion, disorientation
• Dizziness
• Drooping muscle in the face
• Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
• Sudden numbness in the arms or legs
• Vision loss
  

Symptoms related to arteries in arms and legs include:

• Coolness of the affected extremity
  
• Arm pain
• Leg pain

Aneurysms typically do not produce symptoms. However, if an aneurysm ruptures, any of these aneurysm symptoms may occur and can be severe:

• Blurred or double vision
• Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
• Dilated pupil
• Drooping eyelid
• Facial paralysis
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Pulsing sensation
• Seizures and tremors
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck

In some cases, blood vessel symptoms may indicate a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Blurred vision or double vision
• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Chest pain or pressure
• Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
• Irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)
• Numbness, weakness or paralysis of one side of the face
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back
• Paralysis or inability to move a body part
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea) or shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Sudden severe headache

A variety of genetic and environmental factors is involved in the development of both atherosclerosis and aneurysms.

Blood vessel symptoms result from the narrowing and potential blockage of blood vessel walls. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of blood vessel symptoms. Atherosclerosis is a process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, and cellular waste products build up in the inner lining of an artery. The buildup is called plaque, which narrows the blood vessel’s diameter and restricts blood flow and oxygen supply. Often, a blood clot forms near this plaque and blocks the blood vessel, stopping the blood flow.

Aneurysms are caused by weakness in the wall of a cerebral artery or vein, aortic artery, or peripheral artery. The disorder may result from defects present at birth (congenital) or from underlying conditions such as hypertensive vascular disease and atherosclerosis, or from previous trauma to the area of the aneurysm.

Inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues of the body, such as Marfan’s syndrome, also increase your risk of developing certain types of aneurysms.

In some cases, blood vessel symptoms may indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Examples include:

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack), which can be a complication of atherosclerosis

• Ruptured aneurysm

• Stroke

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your blood vessel symptoms including:

• Do you have any pain or discomfort?

• Do you have any other symptoms?

• Do you have diabetes?

• Do you have high blood pressure?

• What medications are you taking?

• Does anything worsen or relieve your symptoms?

Because blood vessel symptoms can be caused by serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

• Blood clots

• Coronary heart disease

• Hypovolemic shock (state of low blood pressure induced by bleeding or other fluid loss)

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

• Organ damage (kidneys, brain, liver and intestines)

• Permanent disability

• Reduced circulation in the legs and feet

• Ruptured aneurysm

• Severe internal bleeding

• Stroke

• Transient ischemic attack (temporary stroke-like symptoms that may be a warning sign of an impending stroke)