stress-induced ischemia
Myocardial oxygen supply-demand mismatch that becomes apparent only during increased cardiac workload or pharmacological stress.
Full Definition
Stress-induced ischemia refers to myocardial ischemia that occurs specifically during periods of increased myocardial oxygen demand, such as exercise, or during pharmacological stress testing with agents like dobutamine, adenosine, or dipyridamole. This condition indicates the presence of functionally significant coronary artery disease that may not cause symptoms at rest but becomes apparent when cardiac workload increases. Detection methods include exercise ECG testing, stress echocardiography, nuclear perfusion imaging, or stress cardiac MRI. The presence and extent of stress-induced ischemia help guide decisions regarding medical therapy versus revascularization strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from resting ischemia; guides decisions about revascularization versus medical therapy.
In Context
- "Exercise stress testing revealed significant stress-induced ischemia in the anterior wall distribution." — Stress test report
- "The patient's chest pain was attributed to stress-induced ischemia secondary to severe LAD stenosis." — Cardiology consultation note