What is an effect of myocardial ischemia?

Study for the Denver Health EMT Practice Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with helpful hints and explanations. Get set to ace your exam!

Myocardial ischemia occurs when there is a reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to blockage of the coronary arteries. This reduction in blood flow leads to a deficiency in oxygen delivery to the heart tissue, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain and discomfort, often described as angina. The heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen to meet its metabolic needs, which manifests as pain or discomfort in the chest. This sensation can be a critical indicator of underlying coronary artery disease or other cardiac conditions.

In contrast, increased oxygen delivery to tissues would not occur during ischemia, as the condition is defined by its lack of oxygen supply. High blood pressure may not be directly associated with ischemia itself; instead, it can be influenced by various factors including heart disease. A decreased heart rate is also not typically a result of myocardial ischemia; in many cases, ischemia may even lead to an increased heart rate due to compensatory mechanisms activated by the body in response to the heart’s reduced efficiency. Therefore, the hallmark symptom of myocardial ischemia is indeed chest pain and discomfort.

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