When blood flow to the large intestine, or bowel, is interrupted, it may become inflamed. This condition is known as ischemic colitis. Particularly common in the elderly and those with cardiovascular disease, ischemic colitis requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications. The causes of ischemic colitis are vast, encompassing any health condition or drug side effect that interferes with blood supply to the intestine.
Vascular and Heart Disease
Ischemic colitis occurs when blood flow to the large intestine is impaired. Any disease of the blood vessels or heart that affects the normal passage of blood throughout the body may cause the condition. For example, vasculitis--a condition in which the blood vessels become inflamed--and peripheral vascular disease--a condition caused by arteriosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries, that is characterized by a narrowing and loss of elasticity of the blood vessels that supply the extremities--can cause ischemic colitis. According to MayoClinic.com, people with uncontrolled diabetes who have elevated blood sugar are at higher risk of developing these vascular problems and are therefore more likely to get ischemic colitis. A history of blood clots or blood that clots easily can also increase your risk of a temporary interruption in blood flow to the colon.
According to the National Institutes of Health, certain heart arrhythmias, damage to the aorta--the large artery leading away from the heart that supplies the intestines with blood--and congestive heart failure can all cause ischemic colitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease--a serious lung condition that can cause heart failure--may also lead to colitis.
Medications
According to MayoClinic.com, ischemic colitis may develop as a side effect of taking certain medications. Some of these drugs include pseudoephedrine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, estrogen replacement medications, alosetron--a drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women, and the heart medication called digoxin.
Bowel Blockages
Any condition that causes the bowel to become blocked can cause ischemic colitis. According to the National Institutes of Health, this may include irritable bowel syndrome, medical treatments or lifestyle choices that lead to severe constipation and colon cancer.
Certain Autoimmune Diseases
People with autoimmune diseases have faulty immune systems that mistake normal, healthy cells as foreign invaders and attack them. Although these attacks may be limited to tissues in certain parts of the body, they can be widespread, throughout the body. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis--an inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily attacks the joints--may also suffer from complications related to the blood vessels, lungs and heart, according to the National Institutes of Health. Blood vessels can become inflamed, impairing blood flow and leading to stomach ulcers, infection, stroke, heart disease and heart attack. The lining of the heart may also become inflamed, and the heart muscle can incur injury, both of which may lead to congestive heart failure. Vascular damage and congestive heart failure may both cause ischemic colitis.
Similarly, a chronic autoimmune disorder called systemic lupus erythematosis affects the joints, skin and kidneys. This condition may also cause damage to the heart, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery. Inflammation and damage to the heart's valves can lead to congestive heart failure, which may then put an individual at greater risk of developing ischemic colitis.
