Symptoms of Subclavian Steal Syndrome: Tips for Control and Prevention

The subclavian arteries are located just below the collarbone (clavicle). They supply blood to the vertebral arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the brain and spine, and to the arteries in both arms. If you have subclavian steal syndrome, it means that blood flows from your brain to your arm instead of to the heart. Changes in blood flow usually occur when there is a narrowing in one of the arteries called "stenosis."

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Can Subclavian Steal Syndrome Cause Stroke?
Subclavian steal syndrome means that blood that should have reached the brain is flowing away from the brain, but this condition is not a risk of stroke. A 2021 study involving patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke showed that only 2.2 percent of them also had subclavian steal syndrome and did not have a stroke due to the condition. Instead, according to the researchers, atherosclerosis – the buildup of plaque within the arteries – was a contributing factor to both subclavian steal syndrome and stroke.

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Subclavian steal syndrome affects 0.6 percent to 6.4 percent of the general population. Subclavian steal syndrome is usually the result of atherosclerosis, which causes narrowing of the artery due to a buildup of plaque on the artery walls. When normal blood flow stops, retrograde blood flow can occur in that artery. Risk factors for subclavian steal syndrome include:

• Growing Old
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking

A malformed blood vessel may cause subclavian steal syndrome. This problem may be present at birth or may be the result of a medical procedure such as angioplasty.

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Symptoms of subclavian steal syndrome can vary, depending on which arteries are narrowing and causing reversed blood flow. When symptoms are present, they can be quite severe and may appear suddenly. For example, if one of the arteries supplying blood to the arms is affected, physical exertion is more likely to cause pain in the arm. Other possible subclavian steal syndrome symptoms include:

• Difficulty Speaking
• Unable To Walk Properly
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Unconsciousness
• Dizzy
• Vision Problem 

Problems in speaking, headache and inability to walk properly are also among the symptoms of stroke, and hence it should be treated as a medical emergency. Similarly, sudden dizziness and pain in the arm can sometimes indicate a heart attack.

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Diagnosing subclavian steal syndrome begins with knowing the symptoms and medical history, as well as your family's medical history. A 2020 American Academy of Ophthalmology report suggests that a difference in blood pressure readings of more than 20 mmHg may indicate subclavian steal syndrome. Bedside screening using Doppler ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images inside the body, can help detect

A 2020 American Academy of Ophthalmology report suggests that a difference in blood pressure readings of more than 20 mmHg may indicate subclavian steal syndrome. Other imaging tools that may be used include carotid duplex ultrasonography and angiography.

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If you have subclavian steal syndrome but are not experiencing symptoms, you may not need treatment but this condition is often a sign that atherosclerosis may be occurring and doctors may suggest the following measures to help manage your condition:

• Blood Glucose
• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol

If you smoke you may be advised to quit and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle which typically includes:

• Aerobic Exercise
• Balanced Diet
• Medium Weight
• Don't Smoke
• Don't Stress
• Balloon Angioplasty

According to a 2020 study, when there is extensive or complete artery blockage, balloon angioplasty may be a safe and effective means of restoring proper blood flow. In balloon angioplasty, a catheter with a small, deflated balloon attached at one end is inserted through the blood vessel toward the blockage. The balloon is then inflated, removing plaque from the artery and allowing blood to flow normally again. It starts happening. In some cases, a mesh stent is left in place to keep the artery open after the balloon and catheter are removed. Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants to help reduce the risk of blood clots.

Subclavian steal syndrome is usually not life threatening. It can be treated, especially with a health-promoting lifestyle and consistent management of heart disease risk factors. Keep in mind that a diagnosis of subclavian steal syndrome may be an indicator that you may be at risk for other, potentially more serious circulation problems.

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Subclavian steal syndrome may be a condition that doesn't cause you any problems but it should be seen as an indicator to be proactive about your heart health. Managing your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol and keeping up with your scheduled physical and other medical exams and screenings can help you identify any similar circulation problems early to help prevent more serious complications.