Arterial insufficiency is described as the inadequate flow of blood in the arteries. It can result from a variety of medical conditions. Some of the causative conditions are damaged or weakened blood vessels, aneurysm, long term heavy use of tobacco, atherosclerotic plaques and hypercoagulability states. It can affect several parts of the body. Usually the symptoms indicate the body part that is under effect. If heart arteries are involved, the patient can experience heart attack. If brain arteries are involved, he may have to face stroke. Similarly, if the arteries of the lower abdomen or legs are affected, the patient may have to suffer from repeated episodes of leg cramps while walking. Symptoms The body part affected with arterial insufficiency shows discoloration. It may either turn pale or bluish. The person may develop mottling of the skin as well. One may also notice a decrease in sensation in the affected region. It may be accompanied with tingling sensation and a diminished sense of temperature in the part affected with this condition. Some other signs and symptoms are reduced or absent peripheral pulses, atrophy of muscles in the extremity that is involved and arterial insufficiency ulcers. In case, it has occurred in the abdomen, you may feel pain after you eat something. Treatment The treatment begins with its exact diagnosis. The medical professional usually starts with your physical examination. He observes the condition of your affected skin. As has already been mentioned, that the skin shows discoloration due to reduced flow of blood. It first turns pale, then mottles and gets a dark purple color. This is due to the progression of ischemia. If the ischemia progression is not stopped on time, the tissue located in the affected skin dies. The region appears black in color. In case of chronic arterial insufficiency, the skin is felt tight and thin. It is shiny to look at in many cases. The ischemic tissue is at a lower temperature than the tissue in the surrounding area. During physical examination, the doctor also performs a few tests to determine alteration in the sensation for temperature. The doctor may also take help of certain tests, like capillary refill test to determine arterial insufficiency. In case it is present, the tissue takes longer to fill the capillary. One important sign that warns a doctor about the condition in question is, a low blood pressure in the affected body part. Once it has been exactly diagnosed, the doctor focuses on the determination of its underlying cause. While you receive the medical treatment you should take care of your diet and lifestyle. A combination of healthy diet and lifestyle is a must for curing any sort of ailment fast. The statement holds true in case of arterial insufficiency as well. Therefore, to speed up the process of recovery, you should follow a balanced diet and a moderate exercise regime on a daily basis. These two things will help you stay fit and lead a disease free life.