Myocardial ischemia
INTRODUCTION
Myocardial ischemia occurs when blood flow to your heart is reduced, preventing the heart muscle from receiving enough oxygen. The reduced blood flow is usually the result of a partial or complete blockage of your heart's arteries (coronary arteries).Myocardial ischemia, also called cardiac ischemia, reduces the heart muscle's ability to pump blood.
Symptoms: Some people who have myocardial ischemia don't have any signs or symptoms. When they do occur, the most common is chest pressure or pain, typically on the left side of the body (angina pectoris). Other signs and symptoms — which might be experienced more commonly by women, older people and people with diabetes — include:
- Neck or jaw pain
- Shoulder or arm pain
- A fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath when you are physically active
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Fatigue
Causes: Conditions that can cause myocardial ischemia include: atherosclerosis, blood clot, Coronary artery spasm.
Risk factors: Factors that can increase your risk of developing myocardial ischemia include Tobacco, diabetes, high blood pressure, high obesity, lack of physical activity.
Myocardial ischemia can lead to serious complications like heartattack, arrhythmia, heart failure.
PREVENTION:
The same lifestyle habits that can help treat myocardial ischemia can also help prevent it from developing in the first place. Leading a heart-healthy lifestyle can help keep your arteries strong, elastic and smooth, and allow for maximum blood flow.