What is Inducible Ischemia, How Common is it, Who is at Risk?

Inducible ischemia is an ailment where the heart demands excessive oxygen than needed when put under pressure. When at ease, such as during the resting period, the heart receives enough supply of blood and oxygen. The treatment for inducible ischemia varies from one individual to another and according to several patterns.

Inducible ischemia is a disease that occurs due to the restricted flow of the oxygen-rich blood to different parts of the body. Inducible ischemia mentions that the heart is receiving low oxygen levels and demanding more, causing pressure on the surrounding muscular regions.

Inducible ischemia occurs when the artery becomes narrow for a short period. Due to this, the passage constrains the free movement of the blood, making it impossible for the heart to receive its share of oxygen through the blood. When the symptoms or the severity is long, then the cause can lead to a heart attack. In many cases, patients also suffer from the death of heart tissue. In some situations, the patient experiences pain called as angina pectoris. However, one may not feel the same in other circumstances. Such instances are silent ischemia, making it difficult to understand the occurrence of inducible ischemia.

Inducible ischemia is becoming a common disease in today’s world. The stress-induced life is making it difficult for any person to lead a normal life. According to the statistics released by the American Heart Association, at least 4 million Americans are suffering from episodes of inducible ischemia at some point in their life span. The case is high for those who already suffered heart attacks and those with diabetes.

The same statistics revealed that the inducible ischemia is the standard sign for increased deaths in the United States alone. The following are the major factors that cause the occurrence of inducible ischemia:

• Previous episodes of heart attacks
• Coronary artery diseases
• Diabetes
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol and drug use
• Cardiomyopathy.

Inducible ischemia has no particular symptoms. However, according to researchers and cardiologists, noticeable chest pain could also show signs of inducible ischemia. It is preferable to opt for a diagnostic procedure to bring out the accurate results related to the disease.

Diagnosing inducible ischemia in its early stages is the best way to find a definitive cure. The following tests will provide information related to the presence of the same:

• The exercise stress test, where the patient will undergo severe exercises that increase the stress levels in the body. The doctors will consistently monitor the response of the arteries during this period.
• The Holter test is an examination that helps the doctor record the pattern of the patient for one complete day. The result of the analysis will provide details whether the patient is suffering from inducible ischemia or not.

Treating inducible ischemia is possible. The treatment procedure is similar to that of cardiovascular diseases, and begins with the following lifestyle changes:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid drinking alcohol and drugs
• Avoiding foods that increase fat in the body, which leads to obesity
• Keep a check on diabetes
• Adopting to a healthy exercise pattern
• Starting a healthy diet program as approved by a dietician

In some cases, use of medicines will eliminate the inducible ischemia. If not, surgery is the only option.