Fibromuscular Disease

Also known as dysplasia

Dr. Gregory J. Landry

Fibromuscular disease causes narrowing of arteries throughout your body, most frequently the arteries to the kidneys (renal arteries) and brain (carotid arteries). In rare cases, FMD can affect leg or intestinal arteries.

Uncommon

FMD most commonly affects young women of European descent. FMD of the kidney arteries is found in 4–7% of women. FMD of the brain arteries is found in 0.3–3% of women.  

Life-Long, Seldom Needs Treatment

Though FMD is a life-long condition, it rarely causes symptoms severe enough to treat.

Have specific questions?
The information contained on Vascular.org is not intended, and should not be relied upon, as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It is very important that individuals with specific medical problems or questions consult with their doctor or other health care professional.
The information contained on Vascular.org is not intended, and should not be relied upon, as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It is very important that individuals with specific medical problems or questions consult with their doctor or other health care professional.

Condition Information

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SymptomsBack to top

High Blood Pressure

If you have FMD involving kidney arteries you are likely to have high blood pressure.  

Headaches, Neck Pain, Whooshing Sound

FMD involving brain arteries can cause headaches, a “whooshing” sound in the ear (pulsatile tinnitus), neck pain. In rare cases you may experience stroke symptoms.  

Pain While Walking or Eating

In rare cases when FMD affects leg or intestinal arteries, it can, respectively, cause pain with walking or eating.

CausesBack to top

The cause of FMD is unknown. Since it most often affects young women of European descent, it is thought that hormonal and genetic factors are involved. 

DiagnosisBack to top

FMD is usually diagnosed with imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or angiogram

TreatmentsBack to top
  • Taking an aspirin daily is generally recommended to counteract artery narrowing. 
  • For FMD affecting kidney arteries, high blood pressure can usually be treated with medications. If more treatment is needed, a balloon angioplasty can usually open narrowed arteries.  
  • Similarly, FMD affecting brain arteries rarely requires treatment, but balloon angioplasty can be effective. 
  • Rarely, surgery is needed to repair the arteries.
Staying HealthyBack to top

There is no known way to prevent FMD. Most people with FMD can live well by taking aspirin daily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Additional ResourcesBack to top

Have more specific questions about Fibromuscular Disease?

Find a specialist

Have more specific questions about Fibromuscular Disease?

Find a specialist