Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
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Question:
What is ischemia?I was enrolled in Texas A&M University (Agribusiness Program) in 2001. I am living in Colombia and two days ago I went to medical doctor (Cardiology) in Bogota. I had an ELECTROCARDIOGRAMA and he said that I probably have ISQUEMIA. I want to know your opinion about this problem. I am 41 years old and I used to smoke 4 cigarettes per day. Thank You.
submitted by Carlos from Bogota, Colombia, 10/7/08
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, John Lynn Jefferies, MD 
Ischemia is defined as an insufficient supply of blood to an organ. This may manifest in any tissue in the body. When it occurs in the heart, it is termed myocardial ischemia. Myocardial ischemia may be secondary to coronary artery disease which results in the heart tissue becoming starved of oxygen and other nutrients. Myocardial ischemia may be silent, meaning without evidence of symptoms, or symptomatic. Symptomatic myocardial ischemia is often characterized by chest pain also known as angina pectoris. For a 41 year old male with a history of tobacco abuse and ischemic changes on an electrocardiogram, further testing may be warranted. This should be discussed with your cardiologist.
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Updated October 2008
