Myocardial Ischemia | Cardiac ischemia | MedStar Health

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Myocardial or cardiac ischemia happens when there is reduced blood flow to the heart. The coronary arteries can be partially or completely blocked by the buildup of plaque which causes the heart not to receive enough oxygen and reduces its ability to pump blood. This condition can lead to heart rhythm disorders, and if the artery(s) become completely blocked, a heart attack.

Medical conditions that may cause myocardial ischemia include coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis) which causes the creation of plague, a blood clot that may block the artery, and less frequently, a coronary artery spasm which can briefly decrease or prevent blood flow to the heart. Physical exertion, emotional stress or low temperatures may cause chest pain related to myocardial ischemia.

The risk factors for developing myocardial ischemia include:

Symptoms

Some people have coronary artery blockage and have no symptoms which is called silent ischemia. Common symptoms include:

Tests

Blood tests

Cardiac angiography
Angiography offers an advanced diagnosis and treatment for patients with disorders that affect the blood vessels and allows direct visualization of those structures. Radiographic contrast dye is injected through a thin, flexible catheter into the blood vessel, allowing the technician to view problematic areas. This diagnostic procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, using light sedation to promote relaxation. 

Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas. Images are taken to determine if blockages exist, if so, followed by angioplasty and stenting to open the coronary vessels to return normal blood flow to the heart.

Computed Tomography (CT) scan
CT angiography is a diagnostic test combines the technology of a conventional CT scan with that of traditional angiography. It can assess blood vessels noninvasively often just as well as the traditional angiogram, but with much less risk to the patient. 

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Stress tests
Exercise makes your heart work harder and can reveal problems that might not be noticeable otherwise. Stress tests are used to determine how much physical activity your heart can safely manage before developing an irregular heartbeat or loss of blood flow. 

Treatments

Myocardial ischemia treatments, which are designed to increase blood flow to the heart, include:

If myocardial ischemia is not properly treated, serious complications include:

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