Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. Like all other tissues in the body, the heart muscle needs oxygen-rich blood to function, and oxygen-depleted blood must be carried away. The coronary arteries run along the outside of the heart and have small branches that supply blood to the
heart muscle. The 2 main coronary arteries are the left main and right coronary arteries. Left main coronary artery (LMCA). The left main coronary artery supplies blood to the left side of the heart muscle (the left ventricle and left atrium). The left main coronary artery divides into branches: The left anterior descending artery branches off the left coronary artery and
supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart. The circumflex artery branches off the left coronary artery and encircles the heart muscle. This artery supplies blood to the lateral side and back of the heart. Right coronary artery (RCA). The right coronary artery supplies blood to the right ventricle, the right atrium, and the SA (sinoatrial) and AV (atrioventricular) nodes, which regulate the heart rhythm. The
right coronary artery divides into smaller branches, including the right posterior descending artery and the acute marginal artery. Additional smaller branches of the coronary arteries include the obtuse
marginal (OM), septal perforator (SP), and diagonals. Since coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart muscle, any coronary artery disorder or disease can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, which may lead to a heart attack and possibly death. Atherosclerosis is inflammation and a
buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery causing it to narrow or become blocked. It is the most common cause of heart disease. What is coronary artery disease?Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is characterized by inflammation and the buildup of and fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the coronary arteries. The fatty deposits may develop in childhood and continue to thicken and enlarge throughout the life span. This thickening, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart. The American Heart Association estimates that over 16 million Americans suffer from coronary artery disease--the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. What are the risk factors for coronary artery disease?Risk factors for CAD often include:
Controlling risk factors is the key to preventing illness and death from CAD. What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?The symptoms of coronary heart disease will depend on the severity of the disease. Some people with CAD have no symptoms, some have episodes of mild chest pain or angina, and some have more severe chest pain. If too little oxygenated blood reaches the heart, a person will experience chest pain called angina. When the blood supply is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack, and the heart muscle begins to die. Some people may have a heart attack and never recognize the symptoms. This is called a "silent" heart attack. Symptoms of coronary artery disease include:
How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, tests for coronary artery disease may include the following:
Treatment for coronary heart diseaseTreatment may include:
What lab tests are done for heart failure?After the physical exam, your doctor may also order some of these tests:. Blood tests. ... . Chest X-ray. ... . Electrocardiogram (ECG). ... . Echocardiogram. ... . Stress test. ... . Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan. ... . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ... . Coronary angiogram.. What test checks for heart blockage?Heart (cardiac) CT scan.
A CT scan of the heart can show calcium deposits and blockages in the heart arteries. Calcium deposits can narrow the arteries. Sometimes dye is given by IV during this test. The dye helps create detailed pictures of the heart arteries.
What are cardiac lab tests?The most common types of blood tests used to assess heart conditions are: Cardiac enzyme tests (including troponin tests) – these help diagnose or exclude a heart attack. Full blood count (FBC) – this measures different types of blood levels and can show, for example, if there is an infection or if you have anaemia.
Which diagnostic study is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis of heart failure?A test called an echocardiogram is often the best test to diagnose your heart failure. Your doctor can also use this test to find out why you have heart failure, and then monitor your condition going forward every three to six months.
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