ischemic colitis

[uhscooker]

I have had several bouts of ischemic colitis and about 13 years ago a doctor did a heart catheter on me and said I had a little heart disease but nothing to worry about.  Could the two be related?

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, some heart conditions, like atrial fibrillation can throw out emboli which can get lodged in blood vessels of the colon and cause ischemia. So, it depends on the heart condition. The other common cause are atherosclerosis and it can also occur due to certain medications like chemotherapy. Ischemic colitis may heal on its own and it can recur. But you may need medication to treat or prevent infection, or surgery if your colon has been damaged. Please discuss this with your doctor am sure he will provide further assistance. Regards.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, do you have heart failure now? as this can diminish the blood flow to the colon. Besides this hypovolemia, hypotension and blood clots can aggravate ischemic colitis. It can also be triggered by infections of the colon. The cause is complete blockage of blood flow to the colon. This needs to be revived or the colon is surgically resected. Please discuss this with your doctor am sure he will provide further assistance. Regards.