The body needs oxygen to live. If the tissues in the body do not receive enough oxygen, this can have consequences for the body. Read all about ischemia in this article.
Contents
- Ischemia
- Cause
- Does it happen often?
- How to prevent?
- Therapy
Ischemia
With ischemia, the blood vessels that flow through the tissues are obstructed, causing ischemia. As a result, the tissues do not receive enough oxygen. If someone suffering from this condition experiences an ischemia attack, it can resemble a stroke. With ischema the attack lasts for a short time and with a stroke the attack lasts for a long time. During an attack of ischema, there is a faint feeling of numbness, which is usually felt on one side of the body. This takes from a few minutes to several hours. Things are different with a stroke. This may take more than 24 hours.
Cause
In most cases, the ischemia attack is caused by a narrowing or blockage of an artery leading to the brain. An attack will then occur because a clot (or plaque/embolus) breaks off from the wall of the artery and ends up in the blood. This plug remains stuck in the artery, causing an attack. After the attack, the tissue recovers very quickly.
Does it happen often?
Unfortunately, it is not known how often this happens. It is also not possible to estimate the number per year. In any case, it is true that people over 60 are a risk group. The more attacks of ischemia you have, the greater the risk of a stroke. People who have had an attack of ischemia for the first time are most likely to have a stroke within 5 years.
How to prevent?
- Do not smoke
- Eat little to no fatty foods
- Keep moving/exercising
- Continue to measure blood pressure regularly
Therapy
The treatment for ischemia is very simple. Take 2 aspirin daily throughout the year. This helps prevent ischemia attacks. If, according to the doctor, this is not a solution, then surgery can be performed. Sometimes doctors know exactly where the artery is narrowed, allowing them easy access. In this way, blood flow is improved.