Myocardial ischemia

Myocardial ischemia is a medical condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. This can lead to heart damage and potentially serious complications, including heart attack and death.

Causes

The primary cause of myocardial ischemia is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Other potential causes include vasospasm, or sudden constriction of the coronary arteries, and thrombosis, or blood clot formation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of myocardial ischemia can vary widely, but often include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. In some cases, myocardial ischemia may be silent, meaning it causes no noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of myocardial ischemia typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, echocardiogram, and coronary angiogram.

Treatment

Treatment for myocardial ischemia aims to restore blood flow to the heart muscle and prevent further damage. This may involve medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with myocardial ischemia depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the ischemia, the individual's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment.

See also

• Angina pectoris
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Ischemic heart disease

Myocardial ischemia Resources
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References

External links

• Myocardial ischemia at Mayo Clinic
• Myocardial ischemia at American Heart Association