What is the term for local decrease in blood supply?

The term for a local decrease in blood supply is ischemia. Ischemia occurs when there is a reduction in blood flow to a specific area of the body, leading to a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism. This condition can result from various factors, including blood vessel obstruction, such as a blood clot or atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.

When tissues experience ischemia, they are at risk of damage due to the lack of oxygen (which is crucial for energy production) and other essential nutrients. Prolonged ischemia can lead to tissue injury or death.

In contrast, hypertension refers to high blood pressure and does not specifically indicate localized blood supply issues. Hypoxia, while it involves low oxygen levels, does not necessarily imply that blood flow is reduced—there could be sufficient blood flow but insufficient oxygen content within that blood (like in respiratory issues). Infarction describes the death of tissue due to prolonged ischemia, but it does not represent a decrease in blood supply itself; rather, it is the result of severe ischemia. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the concepts related to blood flow and tissue health.