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Pain from arterial or veinal blockages

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User Profile
January 3rd, 2010
I am a 41 year old female. I exercise 4 to 5 times a week cardio and dance aerobics workouts.Good cholesterol levels and not other problems on my last blood test results(1 month ago)Normal blood pressure.I had pains in my calves when exercising so I went to a vascular doctor to get it check out.pulseThe doctor perform a doppler he said the pulse was ok in the right leg and in the left leg couldn't find the pulsation, he said it could be due to cold weather that arteries sometimes closed up, so he didn't think it was very significative, nevertheless he asked me to stop smoking(I smoke 4 cigarretes a day) and to walk half an hour a day and go back and see him.Now I seem to have pains in my legs when I am resting without the exercise, I get tightness behind my knee,pain in my thights.I was doing some research and can intermittent claudication progress to permanent in two weeks time?I am worried that things got worse.How to check blocked arteries at home?Do you have to feel for a pulse


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replied January 4th, 2010
Vascular and Circulatory Disorders Answer A8885
Hi and welcome to the forum! I am glad to help you.

You would like to know the symptoms and signs of blocked arteries.

Pain during walking or at rest is present in both arterial or veinal blockage. In arterial blockage the leg or arm is white and cold even if you stay in warm areas for a long time. There is no pulse in the leg or arm depending on which artery is blocked. If the veins are blocked there are two conditions: phlegmasia alba dolens (the leg is pale and cool with a diminished arterial pulse due to spasm) and phlegmasia cerulea dolens (the leg is usually painful, cyanosed and swollen). Smoking causes the arteries to contract and reduce the blood flow in limbs, provoking pain.

Given the symptoms that you described, it is likely that you may be experiencing arterial blockage in your leg probably due to atherosclerosis or thrombus. Consider seeing a vascular surgeon immediately and have an ultrasound Doppler exam. You might want to have surgery to prevent gangrene.

Please keep in mind that I provide medical information only. I am not able to diagnose medical conditions online. Please contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider such as a vascular surgeon immediately for further advice and information about diagnosis and treatment options.


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