The signs and symptoms of ischemia vary, as it can occur anywhere in the body and depends
on the degree to which blood flow is interrupted.[4] For example, clinical manifestations of
acute limb ischemia (which can be summarized as the "six P's") include pain, pallor,
pulseless, paresthesia, paralysis, and poikilothermia.[7]
Without immediate intervention, ischemia may progress quickly to tissue necrosis and
gangrene within a few hours. Paralysis is a very late sign of acute arterial ischemia and
signals the death of nerves supplying the extremity. Foot drop may occur as a result of nerve
damage. Because nerves are extremely sensitive to hypoxia, limb paralysis or ischemic
neuropathy may persist after revascularization and may be permanent.[8]
Cardiac ischemia[edit]
Main articles: Coronary ischemia, Coronary artery disease, and Myocardial ischemia
Cardiac ischemia may be asymptomatic or may cause chest pain, known as angina pectoris. It
occurs when the heart muscle, or myocardium, receives insufficient blood flow.[9] This most
frequently results from atherosclerosis, which is the long-term accumulation of cholesterolrich plaques in the coronary arteries. In most Western countries, Ischemic heart disease is the
most common cause of death in both men and women, and a major cause of hospital
admissions.[10][11]
Bowel[edit]
Main article: Intestinal ischemia
Both large and small intestines can be affected by ischemia. The blockage of blood flow to
the large intestine (colon) is called ischemic colitis.[12] Ischemia of the small bowel is called
mesenteric ischemia.[13]