What does reversible ischaemia mean? - Heart Disorders Message Board

sporti · 06-08-2006, 02:58 AM

Ive just received a copy letter from my cardiologist which talks about my 'reversible ischaemia at the apex.' How do i interpret the word 'reversible'? I would like to think it means its fixable but i somehow doubt that! The wording, as ive mentioned before, then goes on to say 'the extent and severity of the abnormality is limited and hence the likelihood of future cardianc events is relatively low.' Thanks

Lenin · 06-08-2006, 08:24 AM

Sporti,

The meaning of "reversible ischemia" isn't quite "fixable" but more like "temporary" or "induceable". It means a shortage of bloodflow that is temporary and a result of stress; when the stress is removed, so is the ischemia.

A case of "irreversible ischemia" might be a lack of blood caused by a blood clot...a heart attack because the blood clot causes a permanent cessation of bloodflow..

Reversible ischemia is usually, in layman's terms, angina caused by exercise that stops when the exercise stops. Uncommonly it can be silent, without pain, that shows up as a downsloping ST segment on an ECG.

Refresh my memory, do you have pain on exertion?

sporti · 06-08-2006, 09:17 AM

Thanks Lenin for your information. I find that quite reassuring and am grateful for your reply. My problems started with slight chest pressure when i was out walking especially noticeable in freezing weather. I would never describe it as painful just a strange sensation which came on quite quickily and then disappeared completely when i stopped walking. I was also breathless- unusually so. It would have been very easy to make excuses for this chest pressure and carry on regardless. As my GP said there is probably 20% of the over 50 population walking around with this and not even know it. Didnt think that was very helpful! but thats what i was told. I guess when im at the Bon Jovi concert tomorrow i better stand still!

Beefsteak · 06-08-2006, 11:20 AM

Following on what Lenin has said, if you have ischaemia it means your arteries around the heart and perhaps elsewhere in your body are not in great shape. They are narrowed, and/or hardened, and have plaque buildup.

You might need to make some lifestyle changes - diet, exercise, weight loss, stopping smoking, and reducing stress (where they apply) - to prevent the disease progressing. (It is a progressive disease in most cases.)
In addition your blood cholesterol might be high and need medication to lower it to a safer range.

The extent to which the ischaemia can be reduced or eliminated is something the jury is still out on. However, there is no easy cure. Good cardio exercise, together with the factors mentioned above may, and I repeat may, prevent the progression. The symptoms you mention are only a few of several that occur with ischaemia. You need to take it pretty seriously and get good cardio advice.

sporti · 06-08-2006, 02:44 PM

I dont know what more lifestyle changes i can make. Since having ovarian cancer in 2003 i have lost 28 ilbs, (which makes me a size 12 in the UK a USA 10)i have never smoked and i have the very occasional drink. I walk my dog 40 mins a day - i swim 20 lengths of a 25 metre pool 3 times a week. In that respect there is no more i can do. I have just started lipiril because my cholestrol is 6 and my cardiologist wants it at 4. My cholesterol is according to the cardio and nephrologist heriditary not dietary. Im seeing a highly thought of cardiologist here in the South of England and my thallium myocardial perfusion scan was overseen and read by a Professor of Nuclear Medicine and Cardiology so no mistakes, hopefully, would be made by the normal technician as often happens with this kind of test. My cardiologist has told me to carry on with my life as normal and that unless i get further angina problems i will not be needing an angioplasty. I have to trust him and hope that the tablets keep on working. Of course i take it seriously but when you have had cancer and other problems you have to rise above your fears. Keep well.