Ischemia and Infarction: How are they different?

Ischemia means the absence of blood flow to the organ or body tissues, while Infarction implies the death of tissues due to reduced blood supply. Reduced blood supply leads to the shortage of oxygen supply to the affected organ or body tissue.

A CT scan helps to evaluate

• the stroke (Ischemic stroke- due to insufficient blood flow)
• the hemorrhage- rupture of the blood vessel or
• any other problem.

Sometimes, CT scans cannot diagnose a stroke because of

• Poor imaging as compared to MRI,
• The stroke region being too small to be detected.

The Brain does not become abnormal for a few hours after the onset of stroke. Thus, MRI is helpful for clear imaging of the damaged region.

Myocardial Ischemia

Treatment for myocardial ischemia is mainly to increase the blood flow to the heart. Following medicines help to relieve symptoms.

1. Aspirin: By oral route of administration.
2. Nitro-glycerine: The route of administration can be under the tongue or intravenously.
3. Nitrates: The route of administration can be under the tongue or intravenous infusions.

Ischemia and Infarction

Myocardial Ischemia means the insufficient blood flow to Heart Muscles.

Myocardial Infraction means when there is a stoppage of blood flow in the heart due to blockage or rupture of blood vessels, which further lead to Heart Attack.

Similarity,

Both have the same cause of the decrease in blood supply, which further reduces oxygen supply. Both have common symptoms like chest pain, which radiates to arms or jaws.

Differences,

• In Myocardial Ischemia, there is Reversible damage to the heart muscles. It means heart muscles can be repaired.
• WhiMyocardial Infraction is a blockage or rupture of the blood vessel. It is irreversible damage. With advanced technology, the blockage can be treated.

Antero-Lateral Ischemia

In anterolateral ischemia, the ST segment of ECG is elevated. This gives the possibility that the patient is at high-risk blocks, i.e., ischemia.

Inferolateral Ischemia

The change in lifestyle can prevent Inferolateral Ischemia.

1. Quit smoking
2. Exercise
3. Decrease stress
4. Manage health condition likes diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
5. Maintain a healthy weight, i.e., no overweight
6. Eat a healthy diet.

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