Aortoiliac occlusive disease is the blockage of the aorta, the main blood vessel in your body, or the iliac arteries. The iliac arteries are the branches that your aorta divides into around the level of the belly button to provide blood to your legs and the organs in your pelvis. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of plaque within the walls of your blood vessels.
The aorta and iliac arteries are the second most common blood vessels to be affected by peripheral arterial disease (PAD) after the blood vessels in the thigh. PAD occurs in 12-20% of people over the age of 65.
Common risk of aortoiliac disease is atherosclerosis, however smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and genetic conditions are also risk factors for the disease. You may feel fatigue, pain, cramping, or experience no symptoms at all with this condition.
If you are at risk or experience any of the symptoms above, contact Texas Vascular & Vein Center to set up an appointment.
For more information, go to Vascular.org