Let's learn about the Subclavian Artery: the super artery that gives life to our arms, neck, and head.

Have you ever wondered how your arms, neck, and head get the energy they need to function, that is, clean, oxygenated blood? Today we are going to talk about two special blood vessels that power the upper part of our body, acting like the main water supply system for a city. We call these the Subclavian Arteries. Although the name may sound a bit complicated, their function is very simple and important.

Simply put, what is subclavian control?

Think of your heart as a major pumping station. This pumping station carries oxygenated blood to all parts of your body through a large system of pipes. Two of the main pipes in that system are the subclavian arteries. These are located just below your collarbones. One on the right side, the other on the left.

Their main function is to carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your neck, head, and arms . To be precise, these arteries work in three parts:

• First part: This part supplies blood to the 'circle of Willis', a major blood vessel system that supplies blood to your chest, thyroid gland, and brain.
• Part Two: This will pump blood to the vital parts of the neck.
• Section 3: This is the most distal part. It supplies blood to your arms, including the muscles in your biceps and triceps, and your shoulders.

Where are these temples located and what are their branches?

As we mentioned earlier, both of these muscles are located under the collarbones. However, the starting points of these two muscles are slightly different.

• Right Subclavian Artery: This begins at your brachiocephalic artery.
• Left Subclavian Artery: This begins directly from the aortic arch.

These two arteries travel outward from the center of your body, passing near your first rib, where they become the axillary arteries. Along the way, these main arteries branch off into other important branches.

What medical conditions can affect this behavior?

Like other blood vessels in our body, the subclavian artery can be affected by various diseases. Let's take a look at some of them now. It is very important to be aware of these, because if they are detected early, they are easier to treat.

Common symptoms of this type of problem

Now let's look at some of the common symptoms you might experience if you have this condition. If you have one or more of these symptoms consistently, it's best to see a doctor.

• Blood pressure changes in both arms: BP in one arm showing a significantly lower value than the other.
• Change in color of the hand or fingers: May become pale or blue.
• Numbness, pain, or weakness in the hand: The hand feels numb, numb, or painful.
• Swelling of the hand.
• Sensitivity to cold: Feeling like your hands get cold more quickly than others.
• Dizziness: Dizziness, especially when doing manual work.
• Fever.
• Fainting.

How does the doctor check this condition?

When you go to see a doctor with these symptoms, he will first ask you questions and examine you. Then, if necessary, he may refer you for some of these tests.

• Measuring blood pressure in both arms.
• Vascular ultrasound scan: This can be used to see how blood flows inside the blood vessels and whether there are any blockages.
• A chest X-ray.
• CT scan or MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging - MRI) test.
• Angiogram: This is not done very often. In this, a special dye is injected into the body and an X-ray is taken to create a map of the blood vessels.

What are the treatments?

The best thing is that there are effective treatments for many of these conditions. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for your condition. The main goal is to reopen the narrowed or blocked artery and restore blood flow.

For atherosclerosis:

• Aspirin and cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Angioplasty: A balloon-like device is inserted into the artery to press the fatty layer against the wall, reopening the artery. Sometimes a stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
• Bypass surgery: A surgery that creates a new route for blood to flow around a blocked artery.

For thoracic outlet syndrome:

• Physical therapy.
• Painkillers (NSAIDs).
• Blood clot-dissolving drugs (Thrombolytics).
• Anticoagulants.
• A surgery to remove the cause of the obstruction.

For Takayasu's arteritis:

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids.
• Immunosuppressive drugs.
• Angioplasty or surgery to open the blockage.

Things we can do to keep this balance healthy

The same things you do to keep your cardiovascular system healthy are the same things you should do to keep your subclavian artery healthy. These are very simple things that can be incorporated into your daily life.

• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Follow your doctor's instructions and medications exactly as prescribed.
• Stop using tobacco products (smoking) completely.
• Exercise regularly. Even just walking for 30 minutes a day is a big deal.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Eat a balanced diet.Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce oil, salt, and sugar.