Jäsemeishemiat

Jäsemeishemiat is a Finnish term that translates to "limb ischemia" in English. It refers to a condition where blood flow to a limb is significantly reduced or completely blocked. This lack of adequate blood supply deprives the limb's tissues of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to pain, numbness, and in severe cases, tissue death (gangrene).

The most common cause of limb ischemia is atherosclerosis, a disease where plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. Other causes can include blood clots (thrombosis or embolism), trauma, vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), or certain genetic disorders affecting blood vessels.

Symptoms of limb ischemia can vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Early symptoms may include intermittent claudication, which is pain in the leg muscles during exercise that is relieved by rest. As the condition progresses, pain may occur even at rest, and the limb might feel cold, appear pale or bluish, and have reduced or absent pulses. Ulcers or sores that heal slowly can also develop.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound, angiography, or CT angiography to visualize blood flow and identify blockages. Treatment aims to restore blood flow and prevent complications. This can involve lifestyle changes, medications to improve blood flow and prevent clots, angioplasty with stenting to open narrowed arteries, or bypass surgery to reroute blood around blockages. In cases of severe tissue damage, amputation may be necessary.