Reviewed by Brian R. Robinson, MDCardiac ischemia occurs when clogged arteries prevent the heart from getting enough oxygen.
“Ischemia” refers to any condition where an organ cannot get enough oxygen. Cerebral Ischemia is reduced blood flow to the brain, which can lead to a transient ischemic attack or stroke. Ischemia can also occur in the legs, kidneys or liver.
Cardiac ischemia is usually caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The plaque that builds up in arteries due to atherosclerosis reduces the amount of oxygenated blood that can flow to the heart.
An ischemic attack might be severe, mild or silent. A severe attack can trigger a heart attack. Mild or silent (symptomless) ischemia is not immediately life threatening; over time, however, it can lead to a weakening of the heart (cardiomyopathy). It can also cause arrhythmias, which over time can lead to a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
The main symptom of cardiac ischemia is chest pain, or angina. Angina may feel like a squeezing pain in the chest, and may radiate to the shoulders, neck, arms, back and jaw.
