Narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis)
Atherosclerosis is the phenomenon in which a fatty substance (cholesterol) is deposited on the inside of the vessel wall. Over time the fat accumulates and the diameter of the vessel wall becomes smaller. This fatty substance is known in the medical world as atheromatous plaque. If these plaques become cracked, a blood clot can form which could block the whole artery.
Swelling (aneurysm)
When one of the arteries in the body swells up abnormally, this is called an aneurysm.
Arterial dissection
A dissection is a condition in which the inside wall of the aorta is damaged in such a way that blood enters through a tear and accumulates between the inside and outside walls. This may result in side branches being pressed flat.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a collective term for conditions in which the bundle of blood vessels and nerves in the shoulder becomes trapped.
Raynaud’s phenomenon
In Raynaud’s phenomenon attacks occur when the blood flow to the hands and feet (and sometimes also the ears and nose) is reduced.
Dunbar Syndrome (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome)
Dunbar syndrome is a condition that causes severe abdominal pain. The intestinal arteries are pressed flat by the median arcuate ligament, a piece of tissue that bends around the aorta.