Ischemic

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Ischemic refers to a condition or event that results from inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, particularly due to blockage of a blood vessel. The term is most commonly used in the context of ischemic heart disease, but it can apply to any part of the body.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Ischemia is caused by a restriction in blood supply, generally due to factors in the blood vessels, with resultant damage or dysfunction of tissue. It also means local anemia in a given part of a body sometimes resulting from congestion (such as vasoconstriction, thrombosis or embolism).

Types[edit | edit source]

Ischemia is categorized into the following types:

  • Myocardial Ischemia: This is a disease characterized by ischemia of the heart muscle, usually due to coronary artery disease.
  • Cerebral Ischemia: This refers to a group of conditions characterized by insufficient blood flow to the brain.
  • Limb Ischemia: This is a condition of inadequate blood flow to the limbs, which can be a complication of peripheral artery disease.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of ischemia depend on the organ or part of the body affected. For example, symptoms of myocardial ischemia include chest pain and shortness of breath, while symptoms of cerebral ischemia include confusion, difficulty speaking, and loss of balance.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for ischemia involves improving blood flow to the affected area, which can be achieved through medication, surgery, or other medical procedures. The specific treatment will depend on the severity of the ischemia and the part of the body that is affected.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Ischemic Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD