Ischemia: A Comprehensive Guide

Ischemia is a condition where blood vessels become blocked, and blood flow to the area is stopped or reduced, which results in a decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. Ischemia can be chronic or acute and can occur anywhere in the body.

Ischemia can be reversible or irreversible. If the blood supply to the affected tissue is restored, it is known as reversible ischemia. If bloody supply cannot be restored, it results in irreversible ischemia.

Types of Ischemia

There is not much difference between different types of ischemia as it mainly involves blockage of blood vessels. The names may be categorized depending upon the part of the body where the blockage has occurred—for instance, cardiac, cerebral, focal, critical limb, etc.

However, researchers classify ischemia into two types:

• Embolic Ischemia: It occurs when plaque or blood clot formed in the blood vessels breaks off and flows in the body to another site.
• Thrombotic Ischemia: It occurs when the blockage occurs in an artery that provides blood and nutrients to tissues or organs.

What Are The Causes Of Ischemia?

The predominant cause of ischemia is atherosclerosis, which causes blockage of blood vessels and reduced blood supply. Some other causes that put you to risk of ischemia are:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Congenital heart complications
• Cardiac diseases
• Blood clots in arteries
• Aging
• Obesity
• High cholesterol levels
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Venous thromboembolism
• Stress
• Smoking
• Trauma

What Are The Symptoms Of Ischemia?

Ischemia of the brain and heart are commonly referred to as “silent ischemia” as there are often no symptoms.

In legs, ischemia can cause pain due to lack of blood flow. The pain is observed at rest and better by hanging the leg or moving around. The pain may be severe to wake you up at night.

If left unattended, ischemia may lead to gangrene (death of tissues) or nonhealing sores.

Some other symptoms of Leg Ischemia:

• Severe pain
• Coldness of the limb
• Limb weakness
• Loss of pulses
• Loss of sensation
• Paleness of the skin of the leg

What Are The Standard Screening Procedures And Tests For Diagnosis Of Ischemia?

Medical history and physical examination are often done at the screening by the doctor. Some common tests include:

• Magnetic resonance angiography
• Doppler ultrasound
• Angiogram
• CT angiogram

Treatment

The goal of the treatment is to restore blood and prevent further damage. The following are common treatment options for acute or chronic leg ischemia:

• Healthy eating habits
• Exercise regularly
• Lowering stress (Yoga)
• Quit smoking
• Medications to control lipidemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, clot formation and reduce heart’s workload
• Surgical procedures (By-pass blocked vessels and remove clots)
• Oxygen therapy