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Fibromuscular dysplasia is a condition that causes the medium-sized arteries in the body to narrow and grow larger. Narrowed arteries can reduce blood flow and affect how body organs work.
Fibromuscular dysplasia is most often seen in the arteries leading to the kidneys and brain. But it also can affect arteries in the legs, heart, belly area and, rarely, the arms. More than one artery can be involved.
Treatments are available to control symptoms and help prevent complications, such as stroke. But there is no cure for fibromuscular dysplasia.
Symptoms of fibromuscular dysplasia depend on which artery or arteries are affected. Some people don't have any symptoms.
If the arteries to the kidneys are affected, common symptoms include:
If the arteries affected supply blood to the brain, symptoms might include:
If you have fibromuscular dysplasia, get medical help immediately if you have symptoms of a stroke, such as:
If you are concerned about your risk of fibromuscular dysplasia, make an appointment for a health checkup. The condition can rarely run in families. But there's no genetic test for fibromuscular dysplasia.
The cause of fibromuscular dysplasia is not known. Changes in genes might cause the condition.
Because the condition is more common in women than men, researchers think female hormones also may play a role. But exactly how is unclear. Fibromuscular dysplasia is not linked to women's use of birth control pills.
Things that increase the risk of fibromuscular dysplasia include:
Possible complications of fibromuscular dysplasia include:
A member of your health care team examines you and asks questions about your family and medical history. A device called a stethoscope is used to listen to blood flow through the arteries in the neck and belly area. If you have fibromuscular dysplasia, the provider might hear an irregular sound due to narrowed arteries.
If someone in your family has or had fibromuscular dysplasia, you may need tests to check for it even if you don't have symptoms.
Tests to diagnose fibromuscular dysplasia could include:
The most common form of fibromuscular dysplasia looks like a "string of beads" on imaging tests. Other forms of fibromuscular dysplasia may look smooth.
Treatment for fibromuscular dysplasia depends on:
Some people only need regular health checkups. Other treatments may include medicines and procedures to open or repair an artery. If your symptoms change or if you have an aneurysm, you may need repeated imaging tests to check your arteries.
If you have fibromuscular dysplasia and high blood pressure, medicines are usually given to control blood pressure.
Types of medicines that may be used include:
Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure can affect the way the kidneys work. You may need regular blood and urine tests to make sure your kidneys are working as they should.
Your doctor also might tell you take a daily aspirin to reduce your risk of stroke. But don't start taking an aspirin without talking to your health care team first.
Treatments may be needed to repair a narrowed or damaged artery. These may include:
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. For example, you might be told not to eat or drink for several hours before some tests.
Make a list of:
For fibromuscular dysplasia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as: