What Are The Signs Of Subclavian Steal Syndrome?

Subclavian steal syndrome describes a group of symptoms that occur as the result of an obstruction in one of the large arteries that provide the arms with oxygenated blood. This shortage causes blood to be taken or stolen from the arteries that supply the patient's brain. The obstruction in the subclavian artery is typically caused by atherosclerosis-related emboli, but other uncommon cases can be caused by thoracic outlet syndrome, shunt displacement, blood clots, and large artery vasculitis. Subclavian steal syndrome is diagnosed with the use of MRI imaging, CT scan, ultrasound echo testing, physical exam, and evaluation of vital signs. Subclavian steal syndrome is a form of peripheral artery disease, which is any condition where arteries outside of the heart become narrowed. Subclavian steal syndrome is treated using the same methods utilized in other forms of peripheral artery disease, including lifestyle changes, angioplasty and stenting, surgical bypass, and medications.

Learn about the major warning signs of subclavian steal syndrome now.

Fainting

Subclavian steal syndrome patients may experience fainting (syncope). Directly branching from an individual's aorta, two subclavian arteries supply oxygenated blood to the arms and the left common carotid artery that provides oxygenated blood to the anterior brain and skull. From the subclavian arteries, one vertebral artery branches off each and eventually merge to provide oxygenated blood to the posterior brain. When some mechanism blocks one of the subclavian arteries between the aorta and the origin of the vertebral artery, a lack of blood flow to the arm of the affected side siphons blood from the opposite vertebral artery supply to the brain. This process is what characterizes subclavian steal syndrome. This mechanism is made possible because both vertebral arteries come together at the base of the brain in a network called the circle of Willis. Consciousness is dictated by several parts of the brain, but the brain stem carries the heaviest burden. When part of the brain stem's supply of oxygenated blood is being stolen by the subclavian artery, the cells in that area are unable to keep the patient in a conscious state. This malfunction results in the affected individual having fainting spells. An estimated eighteen percent of individuals affected by this syndrome have this symptom.

Keep reading to uncover more symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome now.