What is Vascular Occlusion? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods

What is Vascular Occlusion?

Vascular occlusion is a health condition that manifests itself through the partial reduction or complete cessation of blood flow as a result of the accumulation of substances such as cholesterol, fat, and calcium in the vessels. If not diagnosed in the early stages and necessary precautions are not taken, the reduction or cessation of blood flow in the vessels can lead to vital complications such as heart attack and stroke. Vascular occlusion is a health condition that manifests itself through the reduction or complete cessation of blood flow as a result of the accumulation of plaques consisting of substances such as fat, cholesterol, calcium, cellular waste, and fibrin, which plays a role in blood clotting, on the inner surface of the vessels. Vascular occlusion generally affects the arteries, which are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood from the heart to the tissues and organs in the body. When occlusion occurs in the arteries in regions such as the brain or legs, especially in the coronary arteries (heart), serious complications such as heart attack or stroke may develop depending on the affected vessel.

Arteries normally have a flexible structure. As plaques begin to accumulate inside the vessels, the diameter of the vessel begins to narrow and the vessel begins to lose its flexibility. This condition, also known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, causes less blood to flow through the vessel over time, leading to a reduction or cessation of blood flow to tissues and organs.

Vascular occlusion can progress for a long time without showing any symptoms. Additionally, the degree of occlusion can also affect the severity of the symptoms. For example, there may be a difference between the symptoms of 30% vascular occlusion and 60% vascular occlusion. As the plaques accumulating in the vessels increase and blood flow decreases significantly, symptoms such as numbness, cramps, and severe pain may be seen in various parts of the body, such as the arms and legs.

What Causes Vascular Occlusion?

The primary cause of vascular occlusion is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. For this reason, atherosclerosis and vascular occlusion are often used interchangeably. Although vascular occlusion is often thought of as a disease that affects people in the older age group, contrary to popular belief, fatty substances begin to accumulate on the inner surface of the vessels from a younger age. Since the body perceives this fatty layer as a foreign substance, an inflammatory process begins in the vessel walls. To control this situation, the body creates a fibrous protective sheath around the inflamed area as a defense mechanism. Over time, fatty tissue, inflammation, and fibrous tissue combine to form hardened substances called plaques. The plaque grows within the vessel, and as a result, blood flow within the vessel may decrease or stop completely.

Having high cholesterol levels is among the leading causes of vascular occlusion. Cholesterol is a waxy substance synthesized by the liver, which is involved in important metabolic activities such as cell construction, vitamin or hormone synthesis, or can be taken into the body through animal foods. Cholesterol, which is examined in two classes as LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), is normally beneficial for the body. However, especially having an excessive amount of bad cholesterol in the body can increase the risk of plaque formation in the vessels.

Although it is difficult to determine the exact cause of vascular occlusion, some factors can increase the risk. Accordingly, the main risk factors are as follows:

Chronic health problems such as hypertension and diabetes,

Being over 55 years of age for women and 45 years of age for men,

Having a history of cardiovascular disease at an early age in family members,

Use of tobacco and tobacco products.

In addition to those listed, lifestyle habits such as a diet rich in saturated fats and poor in vegetables and fruits, and a lack of physical activity can also increase the risk of vascular occlusion.

What Are the Symptoms of Vascular Occlusion?

Vascular occlusion can affect arteries in any part of the body, especially the coronary arteries that carry blood from the heart to all tissues and organs, the carotid arteries that carry blood to the head and brain region, and the peripheral arteries in the legs and arms. Symptoms of vascular occlusion vary depending on the affected vessel and the degree of occlusion. Accordingly, the symptoms of heart vascular occlusion, also known as coronary artery disease, are as follows:

Shortness of breath that occurs during physical activity,

Chest pain that increases especially with exertion,

Pain radiating to body regions such as the back, shoulders, arms, and abdomen,

Dizziness,

Fatigue,

Palpitations,

Nausea or indigestion.

If the heart vascular occlusion symptoms listed above are not noticed in the early period and the necessary treatment is not applied, they can cause serious complications such as heart attack. Occlusion can also occur in cerebral arteries, which are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the brain, just like coronary arteries. The symptoms of neck or brain vascular occlusion, also called carotid artery disease, are as follows:

Drooping on one side of the face,

Loss of sensation on one side of the body,

Slurred speech,

Difficulty moving an arm or leg,

Vision loss in one or both eyes.

In patients with vascular occlusion in the brain, symptoms are not always easy to notice. In some cases, a stroke can occur suddenly and threaten the person's life.

Peripheral artery disease usually manifests itself with foot or leg vascular occlusion. When it comes to the symptoms of leg vascular occlusion, the first things that come to mind are:

Muscle pain,

Burning or pain in the feet or toes, especially when lying in a flat position,

Feet being colder than other parts of the body,

Discoloration in the feet or legs, such as redness or bruising,

Recurrent and slow-healing wounds on the feet.

In addition to heart, brain, and peripheral artery diseases, occlusion can also occur in the eye vessels. When one of the arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood to the retina layer of the eye is blocked, a health problem known as central retinal artery occlusion can develop. This condition can cause partial or total vision loss.

In addition to those listed, vascular occlusion can also affect vessels in different tissues and organs, such as the kidneys or digestive system arteries. While symptoms such as nausea and loss of appetite are seen in cases where the digestive system is affected, occlusion in the renal artery can cause symptoms such as changes in urinary frequency, edema, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.

How is Vascular Occlusion Diagnosed?

If experts notice that cholesterol or triglyceride levels are high as a result of blood tests performed for various reasons, they may suspect that the patient is at risk of vascular occlusion. The definitive diagnosis of vascular occlusion can only be made with the help of various imaging methods. One of the most effective methods used in the diagnosis of vascular occlusion is angiography, which is a method that allows the vessels to be imaged with the help of X-rays after a special substance is injected into the vessels. In addition, imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Doppler ultrasound in patients with symptoms of kidney or neck vascular occlusion can be used to check for any narrowing in the vessels.

If experts notice symptoms of heart vascular occlusion, they may also recommend an effort test, also known as a stress test. This test, which is performed while the patient is exerting effort, allows for the observation of changes in heart rhythm and blood pressure during exertion. If doctors detect abnormalities as a result of the test, they may resort to additional examinations such as angiography.

How is Vascular Occlusion Treated?

Vascular occlusion treatment may vary depending on the severity of the narrowing in the vessel, the region where the affected vessel is located, and the patient's general health status. For patients diagnosed with occlusion in any vessel of their body, experts may first prescribe drugs with blood-thinning properties to minimize the risk of clot formation. In addition, they may decide to insert a balloon or stent with angioplasty for the treatment of heart vascular occlusion. The goal of both methods is to eliminate the occlusion in the vessel. Experts can also use this method for the treatment of brain vascular occlusion.

In addition to these, it may not always be possible to open coronary artery occlusions with a stent or balloon angioplasty. In this case, it may be decided to perform a bypass by taking a vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg, to bridge beyond the occlusion in the vessel. Experts may decide that coronary artery bypass surgery is necessary, especially in cases of left coronary artery occlusion, which is responsible for pumping a large amount of blood to the heart muscle, or in cases where there is occlusion in more than one vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts can benefit from blood-thinning drugs or drugs that help lower cholesterol in mild occlusions. In patients with severe occlusion, balloon or stent angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery may be resorted to. During the treatment of eye vascular occlusion, experts may apply hyperbaric oxygen therapy (having patients breathe pure oxygen under high pressure) or may benefit from some drugs that help dissolve the clot in the vessel. For Brain Vascular Occlusion, trying to disperse the clot with blood-thinning drugs is the primary treatment option in cerebral artery occlusions. In patients where drug treatment is insufficient or the occlusion is severe, experts may resort to a surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy to remove the plaque in the carotid artery through an incision. Since the occlusion in the vessels prevents the transport of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to tissues and organs, it can cause symptoms such as pain, burning, and numbness. Regular treatment, healthy lifestyle habits, and medication use are required for the recovery of vascular occlusion. During the treatment process, experts may benefit from cholesterol-lowering or blood-thinning drugs and surgical interventions when necessary. In addition to these, it is also important to eat regularly and healthily, exercise regularly under doctor supervision, and stay away from harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol. It is difficult for vascular occlusion to heal on its own. However, some lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly and avoiding smoking can help prevent the progression of the disease. Although cholesterol-lowering or blood-thinning drugs do not completely eliminate the occlusion, they can slow its progression and help prevent the formation of new plaques. Blood-thinning drugs can help prevent blood from clotting, allowing it to circulate freely within the vessels. However, it would not be correct to say that these drugs can completely eliminate existing occlusion. Although experts prescribe various drugs in some cases to prevent the progression of the disease, stent or balloon angioplasty, and in cases where these are not sufficient, surgical operations may be required to completely open the vascular occlusion. With the angioplasty method, blocked vessels can be opened without the need for open surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vascular occlusion or have risk factors, get support from our Cardiovascular Surgery specialists without delay. Early diagnosis saves lives! Contact us now to make an appointment.