Symptoms of arterial occlusions can vary depending on the location of the blockage and the size of the artery. These may include pain or increased pain, numbness, coldness, color changes, and loss of function. Diagnosis can be made by a doctor using a physical examination, imaging tests (e.g., Doppler ultrasound or angiography), and blood tests, depending on the location of the blockage.

Arterial blockages can have many causes. The most common causes include atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), inflammation of the arteries, trauma to the arteries, weakness of the artery walls, and certain medical conditions.