Ischemia

Ischemia is a decreased blood supply to a particular part of the body. A spasm or a disease in the blood vessels causes it. The condition most commonly develops in arteriosclerosis. This may result in leg cramps (claudication), if leg arteries are affected; angina pectoris, if it affects the heart; or transient ischemia (TIA), if it affects the brain

When claudication is present in legs, especially during activity, it may indicate PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease), which can be a cause of ischemia, and the need for a vascular study. A vascular study may show a thickening of the artery in your leg, which is similar to a build up of plaque in the arteries of your heart and keeping your blood from flowing appropriately to that area. In fact, the treatment is often the same, catheterization. By determining the degree of decreased blood flow, the physician can "open" the thickening of the artery wall and restore the blood flow, causing the patient to feel better almost immediately.

Transient ischemia is often a precursor of a stroke (TIA).  Victims of TIA, however, generally recover completely.

Ischemia can also result from acute blockage of an artery, following an injury or a blood clot. It is not uncommon for certain patients with heart disease to experience a stroke. Patients with heart disease are generally evaluated for the possibility of stroke as the risk factors are much the same. This information is not intended to frighten you but to educate and encourage you on the precautions you can make to avoid as many potential problems as possible.