Searched over 200M research papers
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest ischemic conditions involve reduced blood flow leading to tissue injury, with various management and therapeutic strategies being explored for heart disease, stroke, and other ischemic disorders.
20 papers analyzed
Ischemia refers to a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to tissues, leading to a shortage of oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism. This can result in tissue damage and, if prolonged, can cause cell death. Ischemia can affect various organs, including the heart and brain, leading to conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and ischemic stroke.
The ischemic cascade describes the sequence of events that occur during an ischemic episode. It begins with an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, which can lead to diminished left ventricular compliance, decreased myocardial contractility, increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and ST-segment changes on an electrocardiogram. These changes may eventually manifest as angina pectoris, a type of chest pain.
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is primarily caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries or functional alterations in coronary circulation. It can be managed through lifestyle changes, pharmacological therapies, and revascularization procedures. Diagnostic approaches often include noninvasive imaging techniques such as coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, which helps in assessing myocardial ischemia and guiding treatment decisions.
Ischemic stroke (IS) occurs due to the blockage of a cerebral blood vessel, leading to brain ischemia. It is a significant cause of death and disability worldwide. Key risk factors include smoking, high body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. The global burden of IS is expected to increase, emphasizing the need for effective preventive strategies.
The ischemic penumbra refers to brain tissue that is ischemically affected but still viable, with uncertain chances of recovery. This concept is crucial for stroke treatment, as it highlights the importance of timely intervention to restore blood flow and prevent further tissue damage. Techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) can identify viable penumbra tissue, guiding therapeutic decisions.
Ischemic tolerance is a phenomenon where a brief period of ischemia can protect the brain from subsequent ischemic events. This protective mechanism involves cellular defense functions and stress responses that enhance cell survival. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for stroke and other ischemic conditions.
Reperfusion, the restoration of blood flow after ischemia, can paradoxically cause additional tissue damage known as reperfusion injury. This injury is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Emerging research is exploring the role of the intestinal microbiome, epigenetic changes, and other factors in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) involves inducing brief ischemia in one organ to protect another organ from subsequent ischemic injury. This method has shown promise in reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury in various organs, including the heart and brain. RIPC works through biochemical messengers that reduce oxidative stress and preserve mitochondrial function.
Ischemia is a complex condition with significant implications for various organs. Understanding the pathophysiology, risk factors, and potential therapeutic strategies is crucial for managing ischemic conditions effectively. Ongoing research continues to uncover new insights and potential treatments, offering hope for better outcomes in patients affected by ischemia.
Most relevant research papers on this topic