Reperfusion Pain

Reperfusion usually occurs after the onset of heart disease or when an area of the body is deprived of blood for a period of time. Pain occurs as blood pools back into the area of the body from which blood was deprived. Pain typically occurs as a result of mild and severe reperfusion, and may be an indicator of a chronic underlying condition, such as an occlusion (obstruction) of the blood vessels.

Significance

• Reperfusion is the process of blood returning to ischemic organs or tissues--ischemic meaning devoid or short of blood. Reperfusion often results in and from a dangerous complication of the body. For example, a coronary artery occlusion can cause blood to divert to major organs of the body--such as lungs and kidney--resulting in a circulatory imbalance.

Symptoms

• Damage from reperfusion generally occurs when an ischemic organ or tissue has blood rapidly diverted back into it. Damage occurs on a microvascular level, affecting tissues in the finer blood vessels, such as the capillaries. As blood pools, it has the potential to aggravate damage caused by ischemia or unmask damage already present. In addition to aggravating tissue damage, reperfusion can cause further complications, including arrhythmia and infarction.

Pain

• There is typically a level of pain associated with the return of blood to an ischemic organ or tissue. However, if reperfusion is only mild, pain may dissipate shortly after its onset. For example, the short-term obstruction of blood to a certain portion of the body, such as the arm, typically results in mild numbness, heaviness and pain post reperfusion. These symptoms are often coupled with the sensation known as "pins and needles," which is a mild form of reperfusion. Lack of blood to a portion of the body causes the area to lose feeling and become numb. As blood returns, sensations of tingling or pain may occur as the body readjusts to the influx of blood.

Therapy

• Reperfusion therapy is an important element of recovering from ischemia and complications of the heart. According to Medical News Today, effective reperfusion therapy may reduce the risk of dying from a heart attack by half. Reperfusion therapy can be performed by injecting an individual with fibrinolytic agents, which dissolve blood clots that are causing occlusion. A catheter can also be used to re-open a clogged artery. Antithrombotic drugs are usually administered after the use of a catheter to ensure that an artery remains open.

Warning

• Although reperfusion pain can be an indicator of severe and mild complications, it is important to speak with a doctor if symptoms reoccur. See a doctor if you experience continual numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in a certain portion of your body. Contact medical services immediately if you experience acute chest pain or have difficulty breathing, as these are early indicators of heart disease.