ischemia

noun

is·​che·​mia i-ˈskē-mē-ə How to pronounce ischemia (audio)
: deficient supply of blood to a body part (such as the heart or brain) that is due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood
ischemic adjective

Examples of ischemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that cardiac anaphylaxis can cause reduced blood flow to the heart (myocardial ischemia) and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) when triggered by an allergy to insect venom. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025 It is designed to combat ischemia, a condition where blood flow is restricted to body tissue, muscles or organs. Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 19 June 2025 One study found that aged garlic had protective effects against neurodegenerative disorders, including cerebral ischemia (insufficient blood flow to the brain) and Alzheimer's disease.10 8. Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025 Other forms of blood clots include renal vein thrombosis, which can cause kidney damage or kidney failure; and mesenteric ischemia, which is a clot within intestinal arteries that can lead to severe abdominal pain and digestive issues. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ischemia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ischaemia, from ischaemus styptic, from Greek ischaimos, from ischein to restrain (akin to Greek echein to hold) + haima blood — more at scheme entry 1

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ischemia was in 1855

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ischemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ischemia. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

ischemia

noun
isch·​emia
variants or chiefly British ischaemia
: deficient supply of blood to a body part (as the heart or brain) that is due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood (as by the narrowing of arteries by spasm or disease)
ischemic adjective
or chiefly British ischaemic
ischemically adverb
or chiefly British ischaemically

More from Merriam-Webster on ischemia

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