What Causes Ischemia?
Ischemia is the lack of delivery of oxygen to a major organ, most often affecting the heart or the brain. Blood flow is either blocked, or the blood flowing to the organ has an extremely low oxygen saturation. Since all of the body’s tissues need oxygen to maintain function, ischemia can result in shut down of an organ or significant damage to the organ. Several conditions can cause ischemia, including the following: • Sickle Cell Anemia • Compression of blood vessels • Ventricular Tachycardia • Plaque build-up in arteries (atherosclerosis) • Blood clots • Extremely low blood pressure as caused by heart attack • Congenital Heart Defects Sickle Cell Anemia can cause ischemia because irregularly or sickle shaped blood cells can clot more easily, blocking oxygen rich blood to either the heart, lungs or brain. Rarely, a clot can block passage of oxygen to other organs like the liver, creating significant damage. Most with Sickle Cell Anemia take anti-clotting medications to prevent ischemi
Physical causes for oxygen deprivation include: * Injury or compression to blood vessels can prevent oxygenated blood from reaching its target. This process can be caused by external or internal pressure from cancer, trauma or constriction. * Blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia can prevent proper oxygenation of blood cells. * Blood Clots (Thromboembolism) can stop blood from flowing in an artery or vein. * Heart problems. If blood can not be adequately pumped, then oxygen deprivation will result. Low blood pressure (Hypotension)can result from several causes. Heart attack (myocardial infarction) can stop the heart from beating all together. * Clogged arteries (Atherosclerosis) can prevent blood from reaching its destination). All these are VERY SERIOUS health problems. If you suspect that you might be suffering from any of these conditions, get to a doctor or hospital immediately.
