Mesenteric Ischemia – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Mesenteric artery ischemia refers to the narrowing or blockage of one or more of the three major arteries that distribute blood to the gastrointestinal tract. These are called the mesenteric arteries.

The blood supply to the intestines may be blocked by an embolus (blood clot) which often comes from the heart or aorta. These clots are more common in people with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) such as atrial fibrillation.

This interruption of blood flow causes mediator release, which triggers allergic reactions, as well as inflammation and infarction (tissue death).

Diagnosis often becomes positive only late in the disease. Mortality is high.

Known symptoms and risk factors for mesenteric ischemia

Hardening of the arteries occurs when fat and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. This problem is more common in smokers and people with high blood pressure/cholesterol.

Symptoms caused by gradual hardening of the mesenteric arteries include abdominal pain after meals and diarrhea. In acute mesenteric ischemia, the signs include sudden severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The following are the risk factors for mesenteric ischemia:

• Age (usually occurs in people older than age 60)
• Aortic dissection (a tear in the aorta’s inner layer)
• Blockage of the veins in the bowel
• Celiac artery compression syndrome
• Coagulation disorders
• Congestive heart failure
• History of smoking
• High cholesterol level
• Low blood pressure
• Unusual disorders of the blood vessels such as fibromuscular dysplasia and arteritis

Mesenteric ischemia may come on and worsen quickly. Medical assistance should be sought immediately if symptoms develop.

Body systems harmed by mesenteric ischemia

Tissue death from lack of blood flow in the intestines is the most serious complication of mesenteric artery ischemia. Surgical intervention may be needed to remove the dead tissue.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent mesenteric ischemia

Prevent poor circulation in your body with the following foods that can help increase blood flow:

• Asparagus
• Beet juice
• Cayenne pepper
• Celery
• Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits)
• Cucumbers
• Garlic
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula, romaine lettuce, etc.)
• Oats
• Radishes
• Raw almonds and walnuts
• Raw seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin)
• Red bell peppers
• Salmon

Certain lifestyle changes such as the ones below can reduce your risk of narrowing/blockage of the arteries:

• Following a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Keeping your blood cholesterol and blood glucose under control
• Treating heart rhythm problems
• Quitting smoking

Treatments, management plans for mesenteric ischemia

Treatment for mesenteric ischemia mainly involves surgical removal of the dead tissue (embolus), restoration of perfusion (passage of blood) to the affected body part or organ. Medications that dilate blood vessels such as vasodilator therapy is also a considered treatment option.

Surgery may involve removing the blockage and reconnecting the arteries to the aorta. A bypass around the blockage is another procedure. It is usually done with a plastic tube graft.

A stent may be used to as an alternative to surgery to enlarge the blockage in the artery or to deliver medicine directly to the affected area. This is a new technique and experienced health care providers should only do it. The outcome is usually better with surgery.

A portion of your intestine may also be removed.

If you have symptoms due to hardening of the mesenteric arteries, there are things you can do to control the problem:

• Stop smoking. Smoking is associated with a wide range of adverse side effects and health conditions.
• Maintain a healthy weight by eating more low-cholesterol and low-fat foods.
• Make sure your blood pressure is well-controlled.
• Monitor your blood glucose levels if you have diabetes, and keep it under control.

Where to learn more

• Probiotics Ease Gut Problems Caused by Long Term Stress (press release)
• Gut health linked to anxiety, depression and autism
• Gut health plays a critical role in fending off diabetes, chronic disease
• Gut health – What it is and how to improve it
• Fixing gut health problems safely and effectively

Summary

Mesenteric ischemia is a condition wherein one or all three major arteries that supply blood to the intestines are narrowed or blocked by blood clots. These clots are more common in people with irregular heartbeats.

Symptoms caused by gradual hardening of the mesenteric arteries include abdominal pain after meals and diarrhea.

Sources include:

MSDManuals.com

UpToDate.com

MedlinePlus. gov

HopkinsMedicine.org

BelmarraHealth.com