What is ischemia and what causes it?

Ischemia refers to a condition where there is a reduced blood supply to an organ or tissue, which can lead to dysfunction or damage due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. The term is often used specifically to describe the situation in the heart muscle, but it can occur in other parts of the body as well. The most common cause of ischemia is atherosclerosis, which is a disease where the arteries become narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the blood that form a hard deposit on the inner walls of the arteries. When these arteries are narrowed, less blood and oxygen can reach the tissues they supply, leading to ischemia. In the heart, this condition is known as coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease. If the ischemia is severe and prolonged, it can lead to a heart attack, which is a medical emergency. Ischemia often causes chest pain or discomfort, which is known as angina pectoris. Angina can feel like pressure or squeezing in the chest and may also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.

When arteries are narrowed, less blood and oxygen reaches the heart muscle. This is also called coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease. This can ultimately lead to heart attack. Ischemia often causes chest pain or discomfort known as angina pectoris.