What is Renal/Mesenteric Artery Occlusive Disease?
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is caused by the accumulation of a fatty substance called plaque on the inside of the walls of arteries. The condition affects up to 35% of Americans. Atherosclerosis can cause narrowing (also called stenosis) of any of the arteries throughout the body. When this narrowing occurs in the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys, it is called renal artery occlusive disease or stenosis. When the arteries supplying the intestines are affected, the condition is called mesenteric artery occlusive disease or stenosis. Narrowing of the kidney or intestinal arteries decreases the blood supply to these organs. Renal/mesenteric artery narrowing is often present in conjunction with other conditions, such as carotid artery disease and heart disease. Risk factors include family history of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and advanced age, as well as factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. Smoking is the number
