Ischemia

What is ischemia?

Ischemia is a reduction in your body’s blood flow. This loss of blood means that your tissues aren’t getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive, leading to permanent tissue damage and sometimes tissue death.

If the loss of blood flow affects your heart, it can increase your risk of heart attacks and stroke. If blood circulation to your limbs is cut off (peripheral ischemia), you could end up losing your toes or fingers or even an arm or a leg.

Acute ischemia is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. If you experience sudden chest pain, severe headache, or breathing difficulties, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Chronic ischemia describes poor blood flow that develops over time, often due to underlying medical conditions and lifestyle choices.

What causes ischemia?

Ischemia can develop for many reasons. If you have arteriosclerosis, where your arteries harden because of high cholesterol and plaque buildup, it can increase your risk of developing ischemia.

Other possible causes of ischemia include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Trauma (injury)
• Stress
• Inactive lifestyle
• High blood pressure

Age-related changes in your blood vessels and a family history of ischemia can also contribute to you developing the condition.

How is ischemia treated?

Treating ischemia improves blood flow to your heart and other tissues and reduces your risks of permanent heart damage. The team at Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC customizes a treatment based on the severity of your condition.

Your ischemia treatment can include:

Medications

Medications are available to prevent blood clots from forming in blocked vessels and relieve the symptoms of ischemia. You might also need medicines to treat the underlying causes of ischemia, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Oxygen therapy

Supplemental oxygen therapy might be necessary if you’re struggling to breathe due to ischemia or are limited by frequent shortness of breath.

Stents

Stents are small mesh tubes that go into a blocked blood vessel to improve blood flow. The stent keeps the blood vessel walls open so that blood can pass through more efficiently. Stents can also reduce your risk of developing blood clots.

Surgery

When conservative treatments aren’t enough to improve ischemia symptoms, you might need surgery to widen narrowed or blocked vessels or remove blood clots.

If you have risk factors for ischemia, schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or call Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC today.