Ischemia

Ischemia

Ischemia is reduced perfusion to an area of tissue due to an occlusion of a vessel. The occlusion of a vessel reduces or prevents downstream cells from getting fresh oxygenated blood resulting in a state of hypoxia. If severe enough, cell death and infarction can occur.

Any area downstream from the occlusion will be affected, so the location and area of effect will be determined by the location of the occlusion. If a proximal/large vessel is occluded, an entire vascular territory may be involved.

Symptoms of ischemia typically present as acute and non-progressive, and will vary depending on the location of the occlusion.