The arteries are critical because they channel blood from the heart throughout the rest of the body. Most of the arteries carry oxygenated blood, which means that they are needed to supply oxygen to other tissues. Blocked arteries can cause oxygen deprivation to vital organs, including the heart, which could lead to a heart attack, or the brain, which could result in a stroke.
Degree
Treatment of arterial blockage depends in large part on the extent to which the artery has become blocked. Complete blockage is a medical emergency because the tissue that receives blood from the artery will rapidly become deprived of oxygen. Partial blockage is dangerous because the affected tissues will not receive sufficient oxygen and because it predisposes the artery to becoming totally blocked.
Assessment and Localization
Treatment of a blocked artery often depends on the extent to which the artery is blocked as well as the location of the blockage. As Medline explains, this is typically done using an arteriogram. An arteriogram involves the injection of a special dye (called contrast) which can be seen on an X-ray. An x-ray can then show which blood vessels are blocked.
Causes
Another factor that can affect arterial blockage treatment is the cause of the blockage. As the Mayo Clinic explains, one cause of arterial blockage is atherosclerosis, which is the gradual build up of cholesterol in the walls of arteries, which can narrow or block them. Blood clots can also cause arterial blockage, and the treatment for a blood clot is different than for atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis Treatment
As Medline explains, atherosclerosis can be treated using a procedure called an angioplasty. With an angioplasty, a catheter is inserted into the patients arteries and a small balloon is used to stretch out a blocked artery, reopening it. A stent can be used to keep the formerly blocked artery open. If the artery is completely blocked or re-closes, bypass surgery (in which a grafted blood vessel is used to circumvent the blocked artery) can also be performed.
Blood Clots
As Vascular Web explains, arteries that are blocked by blood clots can be treated using thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic therapy involves the injection of chemicals (such as tissue plasminogen activator or streptokinase) which break down blood clots. This helps remove any blood clots in the vascular system, though it can also lead to an increased risk of internal hemorrhage.
