myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage, then suddenly restored. During the blockage, the lack of oxygen damages the tissue. When blood flow is reestablished, the sudden rush can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which may paradoxically worsen injury beyond the initial damage. This process can lead to cell death and impair heart function. Understanding and managing this injury is important in improving outcomes after heart attacks and interventions like bypass surgery or stent placement.