Causes
Mesenteric artery ischemia can be observed in anybody, irrespective of age. In most cases, it is accompanied by a cardiovascular condition. The mesenteric arteries are branches from the aorta (the major blood vessel of the heart) that supplies blood to the intestine. Ischemia can be caused by atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fatty deposits.
Ischemia can also be caused by high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol contributes to ischemia because it causes plaque to line your arteries. The accumulation of plaque can result in constriction of the artery and reduction of blood supply to the intestines. The following conditions make you more susceptible to plaque accumulation:
- Addiction to smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
A blood clot is formed by clusters of blood cells that stick together. The mesenteric arteries can also be clogged by Blood clots. As a result, the blood supply to the intestines and other digestive organs is restricted. Heart diseases, such as atrial fibrillation is a major cause of blood clots that can result in mesenteric Ischemia. It would help to know that a blood clot can travel from the heart to the intestines or other parts of the digestive tract.
When two or more blood vessels are blocked it leads to chronic mesenteric ischemia, which becomes acute when a blood clot develops in the accumulated plaque inside the mesenteric arteries stopping blood flow completely. Studies show that people addicted to Cocaine and methamphetamine are more susceptible to ischemia. They can both contribute to the clogging of blood vessels.
You may also experience mesenteric ischemia if you’ve had any blood vessel surgery in the past. Scars may be formed during surgery, which can result in blocked arteries. Your doctor will observe you closely if you’ve ever had blood vessel surgery, to detect any narrowings and prevent health complications.