Ischemia in the Brain, Heart, and Bowel

8. Bowel Ischemia

There are two types of bowel ischemia. The most common is colon ischemia, which can be caused by dangerously low blood pressure, blood clots, twisting of the colon, hernias, scar tissue, or tumors.

Mesenteric ischemia affects the small bowel — the acute form has a rapid onset and is usually caused by a clot in the superior mesenteric artery, which supplies blood to the intestine. Chronic mesenteric ischemia happens when fat deposits build up in the vessels supplying blood to the intestines. Symptoms may not develop until two of the three main arteries supplying the intestines are obstructed.