Mesenteric artery conditions

Mesenteric artery conditions affect the major arteries that carry blood to the liver, spleen and intestines. In mesenteric artery conditions, blood flowing through these arteries is reduced or blocked. Mesenteric artery conditions can be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (developing over time).

Risk factors

Mesenteric artery conditions usually are caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process in which deposits called plaque build up in the arteries, decreasing blood flow.

Although atherosclerosis may occur at any age, it is more common in people over age 45 and people with a family history of heart disease. These are risk factors you can’t control. Risk factors you can control include:

• smoking
• high blood cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• obesity
• physical inactivity

Symptoms

When a blockage occurs suddenly (acute), the main symptom is severe abdominal pain. Other symptoms of an acute mesenteric artery condition include:

• vomiting
• bloody stools
• a drop in blood pressure

When the blockage develops slowly over time (chronic), symptoms may include abdominal pain after meals and weight loss.

Prevention

Atherosclerosis cannot be cured or completely prevented, but you can control your risk factors to keep your arteries healthy and prevent visceral artery conditions. Learn more.