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.