Subclavian Steal Syndrome

  Dear Doctors,
     I have been diagnosed with Subclavian Steal Syndrome. Actually it si, at
  this point, just a suspected diagnosis as I am asymptomatic. Me doctor feels
  that any further testing is not recommended due to the risk factor. I have
  not been able to find very much information on this synfrome other than the
  medical encyclopedia's definition. I have never seen a cardiologist. My questions
  are, is this a serious condition? Can I go through life with this condition
  without symptoms? I should say that I am a 46-year-old female, my father died
  at age 48 from an MI, my mother has had a abdominal aneurysm repaired but also
  suffers from advanced COPD and CHF. I quit smoking 4 years ago. I am 5'8", 172 pounds.
  Any information you have on this syndrome would be greatly appreciated.
  Thank you
  Sincerely,
  Ann
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Dear Ann:
Subclavian steal syndrome is a rare cause of transient ischemic attacks [the fancy word for mini-strokes].  The symptoms [such as confusion, dizziness, weakness, numbness, visual difficulties, slurred speech] occur with exertion of the arm supplied by the subclavian artery that is affected.  The reason is that there is a blockage in a particular location of the subclavian artery; during physical exertion when there is an increased demand for blood flow, the subclavian artery cannot keep up, and blood is re-routed from one of the arteries that supplies blood to the brain.  Again, this is a rare syndrome.
A blockage in the subclavian artery can also cause problems with the affected arm if the blockage is severe.  Symptoms such as pain, weakness or numbness may occur in the arm.  The blood pressure in the affected arm is lower than the other arm.
You say that you are asymptomatic.  If this is true, you cannot have subclavian steal syndrome.  I do not understand how the diagnosis was made or why it was being considered.
I hope this has been useful.  Feel free to write back with further questions.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F25.

[tammarra855]

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[Cyndi24522]

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[Fuzzydragon]

You told Ann that she could not possibly have a subclavian steal if she was totally asymptomatic, but I beg to differ. My mother has had a Doppler documented left subclavian steal for about ten years. She has remained totally asymptomatic and has been told by both a cardiologist and a neurologist that it would appear this is never going to be an issue for her. She is now 89 and still independent, driving her own car.