SUBCLAVIAN STEAL Meaning and
Definition
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Subclavian steal is a medical condition characterized by a retrograde blood flow in the subclavian artery, one of the major blood vessels that supplies blood to the arms and upper body. This abnormal blood flow occurs when the subclavian artery is partially or completely blocked (usually due to atherosclerosis or a narrowing of the artery), causing blood to be diverted from the affected arm towards the brain through the vertebral artery.
The diversion of blood flow from the affected arm to the brain leads to decreased blood supply in the arm, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and coldness in the affected arm, particularly during exercise or activities that require increased blood flow. Patients may also experience dizziness, vertigo, or fainting spells due to the reduced blood flow and subsequent inadequate oxygen supply to the brain.
Subclavian steal is usually diagnosed through physical examination, medical history assessment, and diagnostic imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and include medical management with medications that improve blood flow, such as vasodilators or antiplatelet drugs. In more severe cases, surgical interventions like angioplasty or bypass graft surgery may be required to restore normal blood flow to the affected arteries.
Early recognition and diagnosis of subclavian steal are crucial in preventing potential complications such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, individuals experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly for proper evaluation and management.
Common Misspellings for SUBCLAVIAN STEAL
- aubclavian steal
- zubclavian steal
- xubclavian steal
- dubclavian steal
- eubclavian steal
- wubclavian steal
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- suvclavian steal
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- subxlavian steal
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- subdlavian steal
Etymology of SUBCLAVIAN STEAL
The word "Subclavian Steal" originates from medical terminology and is generally used to describe a condition called Subclavian Steal Syndrome. The etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Subclavian: The term "Subclavian" refers to the subclavian artery, a major blood vessel that extends from the aorta (a main artery of the heart) to the arms. It supplies blood to the arms, shoulders, and certain parts of the brain.
2. Steal: In medicine, the term "Steal" is used to describe a phenomenon where blood flow is redirected or "stolen" from one region to another. In this case, it refers to the abnormal redirection of blood flow from the brain to the arm due to the blockage or narrowing of the subclavian artery.
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