Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare vascular disease where cells grow abnormally in artery walls, causing narrowing or aneurysms. Fatigue is a common symptom, often severe and unexplained.
FMD restricts blood flow, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues. The body compensates by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which exhausts the cardiovascular system. Many patients report fatigue even after adequate sleep.
| Type | Location | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fibromuscular dysplasia | Renal arteries | 60-75% |
| Multifocal | Carotid and vertebral arteries | 25-35% |
| Perimedial | Mesenteric arteries | 5-10% |
According to the FMD Society, renal artery involvement is most common, affecting 60-75% of patients. Carotid and vertebral arteries are affected in 25-35% of cases.
Many assume FMD fatigue is purely physical. However, studies show neurological factors play a role. A 2021 study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found 40% of FMD patients had small fiber neuropathy, contributing to fatigue.
When I interviewed Sarah, a 38-year-old FMD patient, she described her fatigue as "like running a marathon while standing still." She manages it through scheduled rest periods and a low-sodium diet to reduce blood pressure fluctuations.