The Dangers of Reduced Blood Flow

Your entire body needs adequate blood flow to work efficiently and survive. When a problem within your heart decreases circulation to your body or your heart, you can end up with dangerous consequences.

When you're concerned about your circulation, the Heart Clinic of Hammond team has the tools to ease your mind. Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed, our two experienced cardiologists, offer cutting-edge diagnostic tools and modern treatments when you're suffering from decreased blood flow.

What causes reduced blood flow?

Reduced blood flow to your heart is due to various circumstances. Coronary artery disease from atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes affecting your heart.

When plaque blocks the arteries that supply your heart with blood, it causes coronary artery disease. The plaque, made up of fats and cholesterol, builds up on your artery walls.

Over time, the plaque narrows the arteries, reducing vital blood flow to your heart muscle. Atherosclerosis is the number one reason for myocardial ischemia.

You may also have reduced blood flow to your heart if you have a blood clot. Clots can form in your legs and break off, causing a blockage in the main vessels of your heart. If a clot breaks off and lodges in your heart, you may suffer a heart attack due to decreased blood flow.

Another less common cause of reduced blood flow to your heart is a coronary artery spasm. The spasm happens when the muscles in the coronary arteries tighten for a short time, temporarily decreasing blood flow to your heart.

Signs of decreased blood to your heart

Myocardial ischemia is sometimes silent, meaning you don't have any signs or symptoms. However, if your ischemia is severe, you'll likely experience some symptoms.

The most common sign of reduced blood flow to your heart is chest pain. You usually experience pain on the left side of your chest, which may be sharp or feel like pressure. Other common signs of blood flow problems include:

• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Jaw pain
• Neck or shoulder pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath

If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest, seek emergency treatment immediately. These are all signs of a heart attack, possibly from myocardial ischemia.

Consequences of reduced blood flow

Our team should evaluate you immediately if you're worried about your heart. Reduced blood flow isn't good for your heart muscle or the rest of your body. There are significant consequences when you don't seek treatment, including:

Heart attack

You have a heart attack when your coronary arteries are blocked enough that blood and oxygen can't reach your heart. Heart attacks damage the muscle in your heart and, in severe cases, are fatal.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias happen when your heartbeat is irregular or too fast, or slow. There are various forms of arrhythmias, some of which weaken your heart and cause significant damage.

Heart failure

Heart failure is one of the most severe consequences of reduced blood flow or myocardial ischemia. You may experience heart failure after having myocardial ischemia repeatedly without treatment.

Other areas of your body also suffer when you have decreased blood flow to your heart. You must see one of our expert providers who can perform diagnostic tests to find out what's causing the blood flow problems in your heart.

If you're concerned about your heart health, don't hesitate to call Heart Clinic of Hammond today at 985-974-9278. You may also request an appointment on our website at one of our offices in Hammond or Amite, Louisiana.