This condition is caused by something that blocks or narrows a blood vessel that supplies the intestines. This reduces blood flow to the intestines. Common causes include:

• A blood clot.

• Low blood pressure.

• Heart disease.

• Narrowing of the arteries from blood vessel (vascular) disease.

• Shock.

• Certain illegal drugs and prescription medicines, such as cocaine or digoxin.

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Being over the age of 50.

• Having a history of coronary or vascular disease.

• Having an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

• Being a smoker.

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain or bloating.

• Blood in the stool.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Diarrhea that may be bloody.

• Fever.

This condition may be diagnosed with:

• A medical history.

• A physical exam.

• A surgical procedure to examine the organs inside the abdomen (exploratory laparotomy).

• Tests, such as:

  • X-rays.

  • CT scans.

  • Blood tests.

  • Angiogram. This imaging test uses a dye to obtain a picture of blood flow to the intestine.

Treatment depends on the cause of the ischemia and other medical conditions that you may have. It may include:

• A procedure to remove the blood clot (endovascular embolectomy). A catheter is inserted into an incision in your groin. It is then moved to the blocked area where the clot can be retrieved.

• Surgery to remove the clot through an incision in your abdomen (surgical embolectomy).

• A procedure to widen the narrowed blood vessel (angioplasty). A catheter is inserted into an incision in your groin and moved up your artery until it reaches the narrowed part. A balloon or a small metal tube (stent) may be used to widen the narrowed artery and keep it open.

• Vascular bypass grafting. This is a surgery to bypass the blocked area.

• Bowel resection with or without an ostomy. In this procedure, intestines that have been damaged from the loss of blood supply are removed. If needed, a surgeon may take the remaining intestine and attach it to an opening in your abdomen (ostomy). The ostomy will allow waste to pass through.

Other treatments may include:

• Medicines that dissolve clots (thrombolytics).

• Blood thinning medicines (anticoagulants) to stop clots from forming or growing.

• Antibiotic medicine to treat any infections.

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• If you are taking an anticoagulant medicine:

  • Take the medicine at the same time every day.

  • Understand what foods and drugs interact with your medicine.

  • Understand the side effects of this medicine, including excessive bruising or bleeding. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about other side effects.

• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

• Ask your health care provider when you may return to your normal activities. If you are taking anticoagulants, avoid activities that increase your risk of injury.

• Avoid sitting or lying for a long time without moving.

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein.

• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.