Ischemic bowel disease is caused by decreased blood flow through the arteries that supply blood to the intestines.

The arteries become narrowed by a process known as atherosclerosis, which is also called hardening of the arteries.

The process of atherosclerosis includes:

• The inner wall of the artery becomes damaged by changes in blood flow, infection, smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
• As the wall or the artery attempts to repair itself, cholesterol builds up on the inside surface of the artery, forming a plaque.
• Plaques narrow the inside of the arteries, which reduces blood flow.