Ischemia is a condition in which a tissue or organ receives insufficient blood flow to meet its metabolic needs.
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removes waste products. When blood flow is reduced or interrupted, the affected tissue may become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing dysfunction and, if prolonged or severe, tissue injury or death.
Ischemia can affect many parts of the body, including the heart, brain, limbs, and intestines. The causes vary but commonly include narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, blood clots, or severely reduced blood pressure.
QUICK FACT
Ischemia does not necessarily mean that tissue has already died. If blood flow is restored quickly enough, some ischemic tissue may recover.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Infarction: Ischemia is inadequate blood supply; infarction is tissue death resulting from prolonged or severe interruption of blood supply.
SEE ALSO