Ischemia
Blood flow to tissue that has dropped below what it needs, signalled by pain, pallor and coolness.
Ischemia is reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissue, often from a narrowed or blocked artery. It is reversible if flow is restored quickly, which is why “time is muscle” in a heart attack and “time is brain” in a stroke — rapid reperfusion limits damage. Prolonged ischemia progresses to irreversible tissue death, or infarction.
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