Overview
Subclavian steal syndrome occurs when there is a narrowing of the artery, due to the build-up of plaque, which supplies blood to your arms. This condition mostly happens on the left subclavian artery which branches off from the aorta.
Symptoms
Most people do not have any symptoms because other blood vessels can compensate and supply blood to the arms. Symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome in the affected arm include:
- Muscle cramping
- Pain or tiredness when the arm is used
- Tingling or numbness
Tests
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
CT angiography is a diagnostic test combines the technology of a conventional CT scan with that of traditional angiography. It can assess blood vessels noninvasively often just as well as the traditional angiogram, but with much less risk to the patient.
Treatments
Subclavian steal syndrome treatments may include:
- Medication – Aspirin, medications to lower blood pressure, and statins or other cholesterol management drugs.
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Angioplasty
Angioplasty is also a common procedure used by vascular surgeons to treat the narrowing and blockages of the peripheral arteries. An inflatable balloon is used for opening arteries and stents are often used to prevent the recurrence of blockages in the future.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Steven David Abramowitz, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Sonya Alekseyev, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery
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Vanessa R. Banks-Gonzales, ACNP-BC MSN
Critical Care Medicine, Surgical Critical Care & Vascular Surgery
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Britni Caroll Barnes, PA
Vascular Surgery, General Surgery & Neurosurgery
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Erin M. Hanlon, MPAS PA
Vascular Surgery
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John Harvey, MBCHB MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Ayesha Nzeribe Hatch, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Suzanne Siefert Kool, MD
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Krystal C. Maloni, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Lauren M. Storey, MSN NP
Anesthesiology, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Urgent Care, Cardiovascular Disease & Family Medicine
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Lauren Elizabeth Van Winkle, MMPAS PA
Vascular Surgery
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Lisa Anne Yager, AGNP MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Ahmad Moh'd Ahmad Abu-Ghaida, MBBS MD
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Shan-E-Ali Haider, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Kapil Simlote, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Dustin Yung Yoon, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.