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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Martha Julia R. Beene, AGACNP-BC MSN
Vascular Surgery & Critical Care Medicine
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Stephanie Jean Cardace, MHS PA
Vascular Surgery
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Kristin Crawley, ACNP-BC BSN MSN
Vascular Surgery & Cardiac Surgery
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Jason Ryan Crowner, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Jesse Patrick Garcia, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Lucy B Kupersmith, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Willie Liang, MD
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Melissa Kanji Meghpara, DO
Vascular Surgery
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Lisa Parker, FNPBC MSN
Pain Medicine & Vascular Surgery
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Dana Lurae Parker, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery & Cardiology
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Amanda Lynn Simonton, MSPA PA
Vascular Surgery
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Stephen Fulvio Stanziale, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Azeb Befekadu Tessema, FNP MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Patricia B. Warble, ANPBC DNP MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Lisa Anne Yager, AGNP MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Jeffrey Ye-Chang Wang, 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.