Ischemic preconditioning
Ischemic Preconditioning
Ischemic preconditioning (pronounced: is-ke-mik pre-kon-di-shun-ing) is a phenomenon where brief periods of Ischemia (lack of blood flow) can protect the heart from subsequent longer ischemic periods. This concept has significant implications in the field of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery.
Etymology
The term "Ischemic preconditioning" is derived from the words "Ischemia", which comes from the Greek ischaimos meaning "stopping blood", and "preconditioning", which refers to the process of preparing something in advance for a particular purpose.
Definition
Ischemic preconditioning is a protective strategy that the body employs to reduce the damage caused by prolonged periods of ischemia. This is achieved by subjecting the heart to brief, non-lethal episodes of ischemia, which in turn triggers a protective response against subsequent, more severe ischemic events.
Mechanism
The exact mechanism of ischemic preconditioning is not fully understood. However, it is believed to involve a complex cascade of intracellular signaling pathways. These pathways are initiated by the release of certain substances, such as Adenosine and Bradykinin, during the brief ischemic episodes. These substances then activate various protective proteins and enzymes that help to reduce the damage caused by subsequent ischemic events.
Clinical Significance
Ischemic preconditioning has significant clinical implications, particularly in the field of cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. It has the potential to protect the heart during procedures that involve a temporary interruption of blood flow, such as Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ischemic preconditioning
- Wikipedia's article - Ischemic preconditioning
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