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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffMost people who have fibromuscular dysplasia don't have any symptoms. Still, it's possible you could have some symptoms of the disease, depending on what artery is affected by fibromuscular dysplasia.
If the arteries to your kidneys (renal arteries) are affected, you may have:
- High blood pressure
- Tissue death in your kidney (ischemic renal atrophy)
- Chronic kidney failure
If the arteries to your brain (carotid arteries) are affected, you may have:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision or temporary loss of vision
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Neck pain
- Chronic headaches
If the arteries to your abdomen (mesenteric arteries) are affected, you may have:
- Abdominal pain after eating
- Unintended weight loss
If the arteries to your arms or legs (peripheral arteries) are affected, you may have:
- Discomfort when moving your arms, legs, hands or feet
- Cold limbs
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Skin changes in color or appearance
About a quarter of people with fibromuscular dysplasia have more than one narrowed artery.
When to see a doctor
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed and are concerned about your risk of fibromuscular dysplasia, see your doctor. Because fibromuscular dysplasia tends to be hereditary, tell your doctor about your family history of the disease, even before you show any symptoms. A genetic test is not yet available for fibromuscular dysplasia. Screening for fibromuscular dysplasia is not possible either, since it could occur in any of your arteries.
- Fibromuscular dysplasia: Important facts you should know. Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America. http://fmdsa.org/files/FMDfactsheet2.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2008.
- Slovut DP. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of fibromuscular dysplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/index/. Accessed July 7, 2008.
- Plouin PF, et al. Fibromuscular dysplasia. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2007;2(28):1-8.
- Slovut DP, et al. Treatment of fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries. http://www.uptodate.com/index/. Accessed July 7, 2008.
- Slovut DP, et al. Fibromuscular dysplasia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004;350:1862-1871.
