What does ischemia refer to in terms of myocardial supply?

• A. Inadequate oxygen supply without damage to the myocardial cells
• B. Complete absence of oxygen supply
• C. Injury with irreversible damage
• D. Excessive blood flow to the heart

Answer: (A)

Ischemia refers to an inadequate oxygen supply to the myocardial cells without leading to immediate cell death or irreversible damage. This condition arises when the heart muscle does not receive sufficient blood flow due to various factors, often including narrowed arteries or increased demand for oxygen.

In this state of ischemia, the affected myocardial cells remain alive but are distressed and can function poorly. If the ischemic condition persists, it may lead to cellular injury and eventually cell death, but initially, the key characteristic of ischemia is the temporary state of reduced oxygen availability while maintaining the viability of the cells.

Understanding ischemia is crucial in clinical practice because it suggests that timely intervention can prevent progression to more severe conditions, such as myocardial infarction, where there is irreversible cell damage.