# ischemia

/ˌɪsˈkɛˌmiə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ischemia
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a medical condition where a part of the body does not get enough blood flow. This can cause the tissue to die because it is not getting the oxygen it needs.

For teachers: a condition in which the blood supply to a part of the body is restricted, resulting in a shortage of oxygen and nutrients. Often used in clinical contexts to describe the pathophysiology of heart attacks or strokes.

## Examples

- The doctor explained that the patient suffered from ischemia in his legs.
- The patient was admitted to the hospital after experiencing chest pain caused by ischemia in the coronary arteries.
- Chronic ischemia can lead to significant tissue necrosis if the blood flow is not restored within a critical window, necessitating immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent organ failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.