Steal Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Steal syndrome is a condition that causes blood flow to be diverted (stolen) from one part of the body to another. Steal syndrome can happen in several body areas, such as the arms, legs, or brain.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
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Seek care immediately if:
- You have chest pain when you move around but goes away when you are still.
- You have vision changes or a severe headache.
- You have increasing shortness of breath.
- You are dizzy or faint.
- You have pain, numbness, or weakness in your affected arm that does not get better with rest.
Call your doctor or specialist if:
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Aspirin helps thin the blood to keep blood clots from forming. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. Do not take more or less aspirin than directed. This medicine makes it more likely for you to bleed or bruise.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Blood pressure medicine helps keep your blood pressure under control. This will protect your surgery site from breaking open.
- Cholesterol medicine helps lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood. It may help decrease new plaque from forming in your carotid artery.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage or prevent steal syndrome:
- Eat heart-healthy foods. Heart-healthy foods include salmon, tuna, walnuts, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, and oils such as olive or canola oil. A dietitian or your provider can give you more information on meal plans such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. The DASH plan is low in sodium, processed sugar, unhealthy fats, and total fat. It is high in potassium, calcium, and fiber. These can be found in vegetables, fruit, and whole-grain foods.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Ask your provider if it is okay for you to drink alcohol. Alcohol can increase your risk for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Your provider can tell you how many drinks are okay to have within 24 hours or within 1 week. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight can increase your risk for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask your provider to help you create a weight loss plan, if needed.
- Be physically active, as directed. Physical activity, such as exercise, helps improve heart function and can help you manage your weight. Activity can also help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Your provider can help you create an activity plan that works best for you.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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