The brachial artery is the blood vessel that transports blood between the shoulder and elbow. Pain throughout the area is one symptom of an obstruction and arm artery disease.
Identification
Arm artery disease is a form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and occurs when an arm artery is obstructed, usually a result of the condition known as atherosclerosis. This accumulation of fatty substances clogs and hardens an artery before breaking into tiny pieces called plaque causing further obstruction.
Features
Warning signals of the condition are often clandestine. “You may not feel any symptoms from mild arm artery disease,” according to The Society for Vascular Surgery. A common initial symptom is discomfort or pain in the arm that occurs during use and disappears at rest.
Symptoms
Additional symptoms for brachial artery obstruction include sensitivity to cold, discoloration as fingers turn pale or blue, lack of pulse in the wrist, bluish or slow-growing finger nails, arm hair reduction, and a loss of muscle strength.
Warning
Sores or gangrene may develop as a brachial artery obstruction becomes more severe or is left untreated. Gangrene brings about tissue death as cells are starved of oxygen.
Risk
The Baylor College of Medicine says “Arm artery disease primarily affects cigarette smokers and people older than 60.” Caucasians, males, diabetics, and those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing a brachial artery obstruction.
References
Writer Bio
Mark Bingaman has entertained and informed listeners as a radio personality and director of programming at stations across the U.S. A recognized expert in the integration of broadcast media with new media, he served as associate editor and director of Internet development for two industry trade publications, "Radio Ink" and "Streaming Magazine." Today, he heads the International Social Media Chamber of Commerce.
Image Credit
Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images