Ischaemic

Ischaemia (or ischemia) is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the body is restricted, typically due to a blockage in the blood vessels. This can lead to damage or dysfunction of the tissue in that area. Ischaemia can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly seen in the heart, brain, and limbs.

Causes

Ischaemia is usually caused by a blockage in the blood vessels, which can occur due to a number of factors. These include atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on the walls of the arteries, and thrombosis, where a blood clot forms in a blood vessel. Other causes can include vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, and embolism, where a blood clot or other substance travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a blood vessel.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ischaemia can vary depending on the part of the body that is affected. In the heart, ischaemia can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and in severe cases, a heart attack (myocardial infarction). In the brain, ischaemia can lead to a stroke, with symptoms such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and loss of balance or coordination. In the limbs, ischaemia can cause pain, numbness, and in severe cases, gangrene.

Treatment

Treatment for ischaemia aims to restore blood flow to the affected area as quickly as possible. This can be achieved through medication, such as antiplatelet drugs to prevent blood clots, or vasodilators to widen the blood vessels. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove a blockage or to bypass a blocked artery.

See also

• Angina
• Stroke
• Myocardial infarction
• Atherosclerosis
• Thrombosis
• Vasculitis
• Embolism

Ischaemic Resources
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