Subclavian Artery Stenosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Subclavian artery stenosis is a condition where one of the arteries that supply blood to your arm becomes narrow and stiff. The subclavian arteries are big blood vessels located under your clavicle (collarbone) on each side of your body. Narrow and stiff arteries cause reduced blood flow to your arm.

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 heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• 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

Seek care immediately if:

• You have sudden pain or weakness in your affected arm.
• Your affected arm feels cold or numb with tingling.
• You feel dizzy, faint, or have blurred vision.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor or specialist if:

• You have new or worsening symptoms.
• You have trouble taking your medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• 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 medicines are given to lower your blood pressure.
• Cholesterol medicines help lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes medicines help control your blood sugar level.
• 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 subclavian artery stenosis:

• Manage other health conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels can worsen subclavian artery stenosis. Ask your healthcare provider for more information on managing these or other health conditions.
• 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.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight can increase your risk for health problems that may cause subclavian artery stenosis. Ask your 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 blood flow in your arteries and can help you manage your weight. Activity can also help lower your blood pressure, 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 inflammation and damage to your artery walls. This increases your risk for fatty cholesterol deposits in your arteries. 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 or specialist 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.

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