Ischaemia
Ischaemia
Ischaemia (pronounced: /ɪsˈkiːmiə/) is a medical term that refers to the insufficient supply of blood to an organ, usually due to a blocked artery. The term is derived from the Greek words ischs meaning restriction, and haima meaning blood.
Causes
Ischaemia is typically caused by a problem with the blood vessels, leading to a restriction in blood flow. This can be due to atherosclerosis, where the arteries harden and narrow, or thrombosis, where a blood clot blocks blood flow. Other causes can include embolism, where a blood clot travels from elsewhere in the body and becomes lodged in a blood vessel, and vasculitis, where the immune system attacks the blood vessels.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ischaemia vary depending on the organ affected. For example, myocardial ischaemia (ischaemia of the heart muscle) can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Cerebral ischaemia (ischaemia of the brain) can cause symptoms such as confusion, difficulty speaking, and loss of balance.
Treatment
Treatment for ischaemia aims to restore blood flow to the affected organ. This can involve medication to dissolve blood clots, surgery to remove the blockage, or procedures to widen the blood vessels, such as angioplasty or stent placement. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can help prevent ischaemia.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ischaemia
- Wikipedia's article - Ischaemia
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