[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/about-fibromuscular-dysplasia\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/about-fibromuscular-dysplasia\/","headline":"4 Things You Need to Know About Fibromuscular Dysplasia","name":"4 Things You Need to Know About Fibromuscular Dysplasia","description":"Get facts about fibromuscular dysplasia, a vascular condition that can raise your risk for stroke. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment.","datePublished":"2017-06-24","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/BLG_FIBROMUSCULAR.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/BLG_FIBROMUSCULAR.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/about-fibromuscular-dysplasia\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":416,"keywords":["Fibromuscular dysplasia","high blood pressure","stroke"],"articleBody":"Fibromuscular dysplasia, or FMD, is a rare vascular condition caused by abnormal cell growth in the walls of medium-sized arteries. FMD does not always have symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious, even deadly conditions like stroke.To learn more about fibromuscular dysplasia, please visit the UPMC Division of Vascular Surgery or call 412-802-3333.While doctors don’t know exactly what causes FMD, the good news is that it can be treated. Learn four important facts about this condition and what you can do to stay healthy.Facts About Fibromuscular Dysplasia1: What is fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)?Fibromuscular dysplasia, or FMD, happens when abnormal cells grow in the walls of your medium-sized arteries, causing them to narrow, bulge, or tear. FMD may cause your arteries to look beaded, rather than smooth.FMD can happen in any artery, but it’s most common in the arteries that bring blood to your kidneys (called your renal arteries) and the arteries that bring blood to your brain (called your carotid arteries).2: What are the symptoms of FMD?In some cases, FMD may not cause symptoms, so it’s possible to have this condition and not know it. Symptoms can also vary based on which arteries are affected.Kidney (renal) artery symptoms can include:High blood pressureAbnormal kidney functionFlank painBrain (carotid) artery symptoms can include:Dizziness or vertigoChronic headaches, especially migrainesRinging or whooshing sounds in the earsNeck painTransient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-strokeIf arteries in your intestines, limbs, or heart are affected, symptoms may include:Abdominal pain after eatingWeight lossPain with exerciseLack of blood flow to your limbsChest painHeart attackSpontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)3: Am I at risk of FMD?FMD can affect anyone, but it is most common in women ages 25 to 50. In some cases, FMD can run in families.4: Is there treatment for FMD?While there is no cure for FMD, treatments vary based on which arteries are affected and how high your risks for other serious conditions, like stroke, might be. Some treatment options can include:Lifestyle changes that lower your risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are linked to vascular diseaseRegular checkups with your doctor, including imaging tests, to keep an eye on your arteriesMedicines that help control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and treat headachesAngioplasty, which uses a small balloon to open blocked arteriesSurgery to repair damaged arteries "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"06","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/06\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"4 Things You Need to Know About Fibromuscular Dysplasia","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/about-fibromuscular-dysplasia\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]