Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffRisk factors for ischemic colitis include:
- Age. The condition occurs with greatest frequency in older adults. If it occurs in a young adult, it may be a sign of a blood-clotting abnormality or an inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).
- Heart disease risk factors. The reduced blood flow responsible for ischemic colitis is more likely to occur in people who have traits or conditions commonly associated with heart disease, such as tobacco use and elevated cholesterol levels.
- Certain medical conditions. Some disorders are considered predisposing factors that place you at greater risk of developing ischemic colitis, or they can aggravate it when it occurs. These include previous abdominal operations, heart failure, low blood pressure and shock.
References
- McQuaid KR. Gastrointestinal disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 49th ed. New York, N.Y: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6395. Accessed May 27, 2010.
- Stoffel EM, et al. Mesenteric ischemia. In: Greenberger NJ, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Endoscopy. New York, N.Y: McGraw-Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6200589. Accessed May 27, 2010.
- Sun MY, et al. Ischemic colitis. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2007;20:5.
- Koutroubakis IE. Ischemic colitis: Clinical practice in diagnosis and treatment. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;14:7302.
- Sotiriadis J, et al. Ischemic colitis has a worse prognosis when isolated to the right side of the colon. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;102:2247.
- Grubel P, et al. Colonic ischemic. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 28, 2010.

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