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What is Subclavian Steal Syndrome?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Subclavian steal syndrome is a condition in which the artery that normally pumps blood from the heart to the brain becomes constricted or blocked, leading to a reversal in the direction of blood flow. The lack of blood supply to the brain can cause a person to experience dizziness, vision problems, arm numbness, and fainting episodes. Subclavian steal syndrome is usually caused by calcium and cholesterol buildups in the arteries, though blood clots or congenital defects can also lead to problems. In most cases, patients need to undergo surgical procedures to reopen or bypass the affected arteries.

The usual site of blockage or constriction is the left subclavian artery, a branch of the aortic arch that extends upward to the neck. Normally, the subclavian artery supplies blood to a vertebral artery, where it is carried to a system of blood vessels in the brain. In the case of subclavian steal syndrome, a blockage reverses blood flow in the vertebral artery so the brain does not receive a sufficient supply of new blood.

Symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome may include dizziness and vision problems.
Symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome may include dizziness and vision problems.

Most people who are diagnosed with this condition have a preexisting condition called atherosclerosis, wherein cholesterol and fat build up and harden in the arteries. A blood clot or direct chest trauma can also constrict and damage the subclavian artery. Rarely, an infant can be born with a congenital defect that isolates the subclavian artery from the rest of the heart and circulatory system, rendering it incapable of receiving and transporting blood.

Subclavian steal syndrome is usually caused by cholesterol buildups in the arteries.
Subclavian steal syndrome is usually caused by cholesterol buildups in the arteries.

The most common symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome are blurry vision, dizziness, and nausea. Decreased blood pressure in the upper part of the body can cause the left arm to become numb and reduce an individual's ability to concentrate. It is also possible for a person to faint or have a stroke if the blood supply to the brain is severely restricted.

In the case of subclavian steal syndrome, the usual site of blockage is the left subclavian artery.
In the case of subclavian steal syndrome, the usual site of blockage is the left subclavian artery.

A cardiovascular doctor can diagnose subclavian steal syndrome by analyzing symptoms and conducting a series of diagnostic imaging tests. Ultrasounds, computerized tomography scans, and chest x-rays can reveal the exact site of a blockage or the extent of artery constriction. After making a diagnosis and identifying the underlying cause, the doctor can determine the best course of treatment. Most cases of subclavian steal syndrome do not respond to medical treatment, and individuals usually need to undergo surgery.

Patients suffering from subclavian steal syndrome may experience nausea.
Patients suffering from subclavian steal syndrome may experience nausea.

Depending on the type and severity of a blockage, a cardiovascular surgeon may try to manually remove fatty deposits, insert a stent into the damaged artery, or conduct a bypass procedure. When stenting is necessary, the surgeon inserts a hollow tube to make sure the artery maintains its shape. A bypass involves redirecting blood flow around the subclavian artery with a donor or artificial tube. Following treatment, a patient usually needs to limit his or her physical activity and attend regular checkups with a cardiovascular doctor to make sure problems do not return.

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    • Symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome may include dizziness and vision problems.
      By: giideon
      Symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome may include dizziness and vision problems.
    • Subclavian steal syndrome is usually caused by cholesterol buildups in the arteries.
      By: blueringmedia
      Subclavian steal syndrome is usually caused by cholesterol buildups in the arteries.
    • In the case of subclavian steal syndrome, the usual site of blockage is the left subclavian artery.
      By: stockshoppe
      In the case of subclavian steal syndrome, the usual site of blockage is the left subclavian artery.
    • Patients suffering from subclavian steal syndrome may experience nausea.
      By: damato
      Patients suffering from subclavian steal syndrome may experience nausea.
    • Subclavian steal syndrome may occur as a result of direct trauma to the chest.
      By: jbrandt
      Subclavian steal syndrome may occur as a result of direct trauma to the chest.
    • Surgery may be required to treat subclavian steal syndrome.
      By: sudok1
      Surgery may be required to treat subclavian steal syndrome.
    • An ultrasound may be helpful in diagnosing subclavian steal syndrome.
      By: Vladislav Gajic
      An ultrasound may be helpful in diagnosing subclavian steal syndrome.
    • Chest X-rays can reveal the site of a blockage.
      By: teresinagoia
      Chest X-rays can reveal the site of a blockage.
    • Subclavian steal syndrome can cause symptoms that include decreased blood pressure in the upper part of the body, with numbness in the left arm.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Subclavian steal syndrome can cause symptoms that include decreased blood pressure in the upper part of the body, with numbness in the left arm.