Ischemic bowel disease results from a lack of blood flow to the intestines that occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the intestines becomes blocked or narrowed. It often causes abdominal (belly) pain, especially after eating, and sometimes bleeding from the rectum.

Ischemic bowel disease most often occurs in older people. It can be difficult to diagnose. If you have been diagnosed with mild ischemic bowel disease, your doctor may suggest you be watched closely (usually in the hospital) to see if it gets better on its own.