Ischemia is a condition in which the blood flow (and thus oxygen) is restricted or reduced in a part of the body. Cardiac ischemia is the name for decreased blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.
It’s the term given to heart problems caused by narrowed heart arteries. 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 is most likely to occur when the heart demands extra oxygen. This is most common during exertion (activity), eating, excitement or stress, or exposure to cold.
Common risk factors are Age (Simply getting older increases your risk of damaged and narrowed arteries). Sex (Men are generally at greater risk) Family history, Smoking, High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher), High blood cholesterol levels, Diabetes (HbA1c >7.0), Overweight or obesity.
Extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, chest pain and pressure, heart palpitations, swelling in your legs and feet, known as edema,swelling in your abdomen.
Few of the diagnostic tests are Electrocardiograph Tests (ECG), Echo,and different kind of blood investigations which includes level tests of cholesterol, lipids, total blood count, and haemoglobin. Depending upon the risk, doctor may also ask to do CT & MRI. In many cases to assess the damage precisely, CAG or angiogram may be required to perform.
Once you are detected and on preliminary stage, doctors will prescribe you to for medications which will keep your cholesterol, lipid level and blood pressure in normal range. But in many cases, if found to be critical, lifesaving Angioplasty needs to performed.
Quit Smoking, Avoid Alcohol, Avoid Junk / Roadside Food, Do physical exercise regularly