Diseases and Conditions
Ischemic colitis
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Preparing for an appointment
Risk factors
Risk factors for ischemic colitis include:
- Age. The condition occurs mostly frequently in adults older than age 60. Ischemic colitis that occurs in a young adult may be a sign of a blood-clotting abnormality or inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).
- Sex. Ischemic colitis is more common in women.
- Clotting abnormalities. Conditions that affect the way the blood clots, such as factor V Leiden, may increase the risk of ischemic colitis.
- High cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
- Reduced blood flow, due to heart failure, low blood pressure, shock or certain conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Previous abdominal surgery. Scar tissue that forms after surgery may cause reduced blood flow.
- Heavy exercise, such as marathon running, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the colon.
- Surgery involving the large artery (aorta) that pumps blood from your heart to the rest of your body.