What is "ischemia"

n. (context pathology cardiology English) local disturbance in blood circulation due to mechanical obstruction of the blood supply (vasoconstriction, thrombosis or embolism).

n. local anemia in a given body part sometimes resulting from vasoconstriction or thrombosis or embolism [syn: ischaemia]

Ischemia is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism (to keep tissue alive). Ischemia is generally caused by problems with blood vessels, with resultant damage to or dysfunction of tissue. It also means local anemia in a given part of a body sometimes resulting from congestion (such as vasoconstriction, thrombosis or embolism). Ischemia comprises not only insufficiency of oxygen, but also reduced availability of nutrients and inadequate removal of metabolites. The word is from Greek ἴσχαιμος iskhaimos, "staunching blood" from ἴσχω iskhο, "keep back, restrain" and αἷμα haima, "blood".