ischemia
Pronunciation: ih-SKEE-mee-ah
Reduced blood flow to tissue, particularly concerning when affecting the heart muscle during exercise.
Full Definition
Ischemia refers to inadequate blood supply to tissues or organs, resulting in insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to meet metabolic demands. In cardiac rehabilitation contexts, myocardial ischemia is of particular concern as it indicates that the heart muscle is not receiving adequate blood flow, often due to coronary artery disease. Exercise-induced ischemia may manifest as chest pain (angina), electrocardiographic changes, or other symptoms, and represents a critical safety consideration during rehabilitation activities. The ischemic threshold—the level of exertion at which ischemia occurs—helps determine safe exercise intensity limits. Detection of ischemia during exercise testing or training sessions may require immediate activity cessation and medical evaluation.
Usage
Usage note: Often misspelled as 'ischaemia' (British spelling); use American spelling in US documentation.
In Context
- "Exercise-induced ischemia was detected at 7 METs during the graded exercise test." — Exercise test interpretation
- "The patient showed no evidence of ischemia during submaximal exercise training." — Progress monitoring note