Subclavian steal syndrome is a type of peripheral artery disease (PAD) which includes a set of symptoms brought about by an obstruction in one of the subclavian arteries. Due to the site of the blockage, the blood is shunted or “diverted” away from the brain to the affected arm. As a result, the signs not only include arm symptoms but also neurological signs.
What are the signs?
The indications of subclavian steal syndrome are based on the degree of obstruction in the subclavian artery as well as the amount of work being carried out by the affected arm.
Generally, there are no symptoms at all while at rest. In case the blockage is significant and if the affected arm is utilized, it can cause the following:
- The arm muscles are deprived of oxygen which results to claudication (dull pain with cramps).
- More blood is moved away from the brain which leads to neurological symptoms due to poor blood flow. These neurological signs include syncope, lightheadedness, double vision, vertigo and ringing in the ears.
As the severity of the blockage increases, the symptoms occur with less arm movement.
Management of subclavian steal syndrome
Since subclavian steal syndrome is a form of PAD, it is managed in the same manner as PAD. It is important to note that PAD is a progressive condition that involves the blood vessels all over the body. It is vital to utilize all the risk reduction measures to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis including cessation of smoking, proper control of hypertension, blood lipid control, exercise, weight management and diabetes control.
The indications of mild subclavian steal syndrome might settle with these measures. In case the symptoms are serious or continuous, the blockage can be managed with a surgical bypass procedure or with stenting and angioplasty.