Myocardial Ischemia

Myocardial ischemia is a common condition, and it could lead to serious and life-threatening complications if left unmanaged.

Myocardial ischemia

Myocardial ischemia is the lack of blood flow to the heart due to a partial or complete blockage in the coronary arteries in most of the cases.

Causes and risk factors leading to myocardial ischemia

When the blood flow to the heart is reduced, this leads to a lack of the oxygen and nutrients that the heart gets, and that’s what causes cardiac ischemia. Common causes include:

• Coronary artery disease.
• Coronary artery spasm: a temporary tightening of muscles in the artery wall, which could decrease or prevent the blood flow to the heart.
• Blood clots.
• The risk of myocardial ischemia increases due to the following factors: diabetes, hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides, obesity, smoking, and not exercising enough.
• The chest pain associated with cardiac ischemia is triggered by physical activity, stress, cocaine use, eating a heavy meal, cold temperature, and sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of myocardial ischemia

Some people might not suffer from any symptoms, and this is called silent myocardial ischemia. The symptoms generally include:

• Angina, which is the most common symptom.
• Chest heaviness or tightness.
• Neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Sweating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Cardiac ischemia could lead to heart attack, irregular heartbeat, and heart failure.

Diagnosis of myocardial ischemia

• Physical exam.
• Imaging tests.
• Stress test.

Treatment of myocardial ischemia

• Medicines.
• Procedures to improve the blood flow.
• The risk of myocardial ischemia can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle.