The Best Treatment for Arterial Stenosis

Arterial stenosis occurs when plaque builds up within an artery causing the inside of the artery to narrow. This can restrict blood flow which can lead to tissue damage. There are several treatments for treating arterial stenosis, and the best treatment depends on the individual situation. A combination of treatments may be used for best results.

Medications

• One or several medications may be prescribed to treat conditions that can contribute to plaque formation. Treated conditions may include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Aspirin or other such medications may also be given to thin the blood.

Diet and Exercise

• Adopting a hearth-healthy diet and exercise program can aid in the treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. You should speak with your doctor about finding the right diet and exercise program for you.

Angioplasty

• Arterial blockages may be surgically treated. Angioplasty is the insertion of a catheter with a balloon at the tip. The balloon is inflated at the site of the plaque formation to flatten the plaque and stretch the arterial wall.

Arterial Bypass

• Arterial bypass is a surgical procedure performed for completely blocked or significantly narrowed arteries. A graft or blood vessel from another part of the body is connected to the artery to reroute blood around the affected area.

Thrombolytic Therapy

• Thrombolytic therapy is the injection of medication into the artery at the location of the plaque formation. The medication dissolves the clot.