A blocked artery in the stomach, known as mesenteric ischemia, occurs when blood flow to the intestines is significantly reduced or cut off. The intestines require a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. When this supply is compromised, it can lead to severe complications.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The most prominent symptom of a blocked artery in the stomach is abdominal pain, particularly after eating. This postprandial pain arises because digestion increases the demand for blood flow to the intestines, a demand a narrowed or blocked artery cannot adequately meet. The pain can vary in intensity and location, often described as severe and disproportionate to physical findings.
This abdominal discomfort can lead to a “fear of eating,” causing individuals to reduce food intake to avoid pain. Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom in chronic cases. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Symptoms can manifest acutely or chronically. Acute mesenteric ischemia presents with sudden, severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. This form is a medical emergency. Chronic mesenteric ischemia develops gradually, with pain typically starting about 30 minutes to an hour after eating and lasting for one to three hours.
Understanding the Causes
Blocked arteries in the stomach are primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the walls of the mesenteric arteries. This plaque, composed of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances, hardens and narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow over time.
Another significant cause is the formation of blood clots, which can suddenly block an artery. These clots may form directly within a mesenteric artery (thrombosis) or travel from another part of the body, such as the heart, and become lodged in a mesenteric artery (embolism). Conditions like an irregular heartbeat can increase the risk of clot formation.
Less commonly, blood flow can be reduced without a physical blockage, a condition known as non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia. This can occur due to severe low blood pressure, shock, or the constriction of blood vessels caused by certain medications or recreational drugs. Risk factors for developing blocked arteries include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and existing heart disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a blocked artery in the stomach involves physical examinations, a detailed review of patient history, and various imaging tests. Doctors often look for signs of weight loss and listen for abdominal sounds. Imaging tests are crucial for visualizing blood vessels and identifying blockages.
Common diagnostic tools include CT angiography (CTA), which uses X-ray technology and contrast dye to create detailed 3D images of the blood vessels. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce similar images, often with contrast. Traditional angiography, considered a gold standard, involves inserting a catheter into an artery and injecting dye to highlight blockages.
Treatment approaches vary based on the type and severity of the blockage. Medications, such as blood thinners, may be used to dissolve clots or prevent new ones. Minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting can open narrowed arteries by inflating a balloon and placing a small mesh tube. Surgical options include bypass surgery, which reroutes blood flow around a blocked section using a graft, or endarterectomy, which involves surgically removing plaque or clots from the artery.
When to Seek Medical Help
A blocked artery in the stomach is a serious medical condition that demands immediate attention. If you experience any suspected symptoms, particularly sudden and severe abdominal pain, seek emergency medical care without delay. This condition can rapidly lead to tissue damage in the intestines if not addressed promptly.
Delaying medical help can result in serious complications, including tissue death, which can be life-threatening. Even if the pain is not severe but occurs consistently after eating, it warrants a consultation with a healthcare provider. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or postpone professional medical evaluation for these symptoms.