What does ischemia refer to in medical terms?

Ischemia is a medical term that specifically refers to reduced blood flow to a tissue. This reduction can result in a lack of oxygen and nutrients necessary for the proper function of cells, which may lead to tissue damage or dysfunction. Understanding ischemia is crucial in various clinical contexts, particularly in conditions such as heart disease, where insufficient blood flow can result in angina or myocardial infarction. The key to recognizing ischemia is that it denotes a deficiency of blood supply, which contrasts with conditions of increased or normal blood flow. Thus, identifying ischemia is essential for diagnosing and treating any underlying causes effectively.