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Specialty Care for Fibromuscular Dysplasia at UPMC

Fibromuscular dysplasia occurs when one or more of your arteries has an abnormal cluster of cells growing in the artery wall. This causes a narrowing of the artery, resulting in damage to the artery and decreased blood flow. It most often occurs in arteries leading to the kidney. Complications from untreated fibromuscular dysplasia include high blood pressure and risk of aneurysm.

Visit The Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC and meet with a cardiologist for expert diagnosis and treatment of fibromuscular dysplasia in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia Symptoms

If you have fibromuscular dysplasia, you may not have any symptoms. However, if stenosis (narrowing) restricts blood flow through the affected artery, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Abdominal pain after eating
  • Blurred or temporary loss of vision
  • Chronic headaches
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Cold limbs
  • Discomfort when moving arms, legs, hands or feet
  • Dizziness
  • Facial weakness/numbness
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney tissue damage
  • Neck pain
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Skin changes in color or appearance
  • Unintended weight loss

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of fibromuscular dysplasia, a cardiologist at the Heart and Vascular Institute can provide the right answers.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia Causes

Experts don’t fully know what causes the development of fibromuscular dysplasia, however, several factors may be associated with the disease:

  • Abnormally formed arteries. An artery may develop abnormally without enough oxygen or if the position of the arteries is irregular. Certain medications or tobacco use can also cause an abnormality.
  • Genetics. The disease can be passed down from a family member (but not always).
  • Hormones. As women tend to have fibromuscular dysplasia more than men, hormones may be linked to the disease.

Treating Fibromuscular Dysplasia in Williamsport, PA

At UPMC our cardiology providers specialize in the treatment of fibromuscular dysplasia through a range of noninvasive therapies and surgical procedures. Treatment depends on your health, the location of the blocked artery and the extent of your condition. Medical procedures, medications and surgeries are all available at the Heart & Vascular Institute at UPMC.

Surgical procedures may include angioplasty (to open up the artery) and surgical revascularization (repair of the artery). Medications may be prescribed to slow heartbeat, relax blood vessels and prevent narrowing of arteries.

The Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC has experienced providers who are dedicated to helping patients of all ages find treatment for fibromuscular dysplasia in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.