The
ischemic (ischaemic) cascade is a series of biochemical reactions that are initiated in the
brain and other aerobic tissues after seconds to minutes of
ischemia (inadequate blood supply). This is typically secondary to
stroke, injury, or
cardiac arrest due to
heart attack. Most ischemic
neurons that die do so due to the activation of chemicals produced during and after ischemia. The ischemic cascade usually goes on for two to three hours but can last for days, even after normal blood flow returns.