Mesenteric Artery IschemiaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Mesenteric Artery Ischemia
Mesenteric artery ischemia occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the three major arteries that supply the small and large intestines. These are called the mesenteric arteries.
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The arteries that supply blood to the intestines run directly from the aorta. The aorta is the main artery from the heart.
Hardening of the arteries occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. This is more common in smokers and in people with high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol.
This narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the intestines. Like every other part of the body, blood brings oxygen to the intestines. When the oxygen supply is reduced, symptoms may occur.
The blood supply to the intestines may be suddenly blocked by a blood clot (embolus). The clots most often come from the heart or aorta. These clots are more commonly seen in people with an abnormal heart rhythm.
Symptoms caused by gradual hardening of the mesenteric arteries include:
- Abdominal pain after eating (abdominal angina)
- Diarrhea
Symptoms of sudden (acute) mesenteric artery ischemia due to a traveling blood clot include:
- Sudden severe abdominal pain or bloating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Nausea
When the blood supply is blocked to a part of the heart muscle, the muscle will die. This is called a heart attack. A similar type of injury can occur to any part of the intestines.
When the blood supply is suddenly cut off by a blood clot, it is an emergency. Treatment can include medicines to dissolve the blood clots and open up the arteries.
If you have symptoms due to hardening of the mesenteric arteries, there are things you can do to control the problem:
- Stop smoking. Smoking narrows the arteries. This decreases the ability of the blood to carry oxygen and increases the risk of forming clots (thrombi and emboli).
- Make sure your blood pressure is under control.
- If you are overweight, reduce your weight.
- If your cholesterol is high, eat a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet.
- Monitor your blood sugar level if you have diabetes, and keep it under control.
Surgery may be done if the problem is severe.
- The blockage is removed and the arteries are reconnected to the aorta. A bypass around the blockage is another procedure. It is usually done with a plastic tube graft.
- Insertion of a stent. A stent may be used as an alternative to surgery to enlarge the blockage in the artery or to deliver medicine directly to the affected area.
- At times, a portion of your intestine will need to be removed.
Ambulatory Surgery Center
Salih Samo is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Overland Park, Kansas. He has been practicing medicine for over 16 years. Dr. Samo is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Mesenteric Artery Ischemia, Achalasia, Benign Esophageal Stricture, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Samo is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology - 2020. Dr. Samo is currently accepting new patients.
St. Peter's Vascular Associates - Albany
John Taggert is a Vascular Surgeon and a Thoracic Surgeon practicing medicine in Albany, New York. He has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Taggert is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Carotid Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Surgery, and Angioplasty. Dr. Taggert is board certified in American Board Of Vascular Surgery, Surgery and American Board Of Surgery. Dr. Taggert is currently accepting new patients.
Cody Clinic - Vascular Outreach
Dr. Bruen’s approach to patient care is one that takes into account not only the symptoms they may be experiencing, but also their worries and concerns. He places himself in the shoes of the patient he is seeing, evaluating how their medical condition is impacting his or her life. He then uses his skills and knowledge to ensure they have the best outcomes possible.A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Dr. Bruen completed residencies in surgical research and general surgery at the University of Utah. He also completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Florida, and was an Epworth Asian-Pacific Advanced Endovascular Fellow at Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. He is board-certified in surgery and vascular surgery.Dr. Bruen is an investigator involved in clinical research trials in the area of cardiovascular thoracic surgery. After hours, Dr. Bruen enjoys spending time with his family. His hobbies include competitive shooting as well as skiing. Dr. Bruen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mesenteric Artery Ischemia. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Mesenteric Artery Ischemia, Arterial Insufficiency, and Carotid Artery Surgery. Dr. Bruen is board certified in American Board Of Surgery. Dr. Bruen is currently accepting new patients.
The outlook for chronic mesenteric ischemia is good after a successful surgery. However, it is important to make lifestyle changes to prevent hardening of the arteries from getting worse.
People with hardening of the arteries that supply the intestines often have the same problems in blood vessels that supply the heart, brain, kidneys, or legs.
People with acute mesenteric ischemia often do poorly because parts of the intestine may die before surgery can be done. This can be fatal. However, with prompt diagnosis and treatment, acute mesenteric ischemia can be treated successfully.
Tissue death from lack of blood flow (infarction) in the intestines is the most serious complication of mesenteric artery ischemia. Surgery may be needed to remove the dead portion.
Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Fever
- Nausea
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Frequent abdominal pain after you eat
The following lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for narrowing of the arteries:
- Get regular exercise.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Get heart rhythm problems treated.
- Keep your blood cholesterol and blood sugar under control.
- Quit smoking.
Published Date: January 13, 2026
Published By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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