Myoischemia, also known as myocardial ischemia or cardiac ischemia, refers to a medical condition where there is an inadequate blood supply and oxygen delivery to the muscles of the heart, known as the myocardium. It occurs when there is a restriction or blockage in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
Myoischemia typically arises due to atherosclerosis - the accumulation of plaque, primarily cholesterol, on the inner walls of the arteries. This build-up can restrict blood flow and lead to the development of partial or complete blockages in the coronary arteries, limiting the oxygen supply to the heart muscles. Other causes may include blood clots, vasospasm, or inflammation of the coronary artery linings.
The insufficient oxygenation of the myocardium can result in a variety of symptoms, including chest pain or discomfort, also known as angina, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and even diaphoresis. If left untreated or occurring frequently, myoischemia can lead to more severe complications, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
Diagnosis of myoischemia usually involves a combination of patient history assessment, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), stress test, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and stress reduction, to prescribed medications like nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. In more severe cases, bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty with stent placement may be required to restore optimal blood flow to the heart muscles and prevent further complications from occurring
