Widow maker

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Widow maker

Widow maker (/ˈwɪdoʊ ˈmeɪkər/), also known as left anterior descending artery (LAD) blockage or left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) blockage, is a term used in medicine to describe a specific type of severe heart disease.

Etymology

The term "widow maker" is derived from its potential to cause sudden death, often leaving behind a "widow". It is not a formal medical term, but rather a colloquialism used to describe a serious medical condition.

Definition

A widow maker is a type of heart attack that occurs when there is a complete blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. This artery supplies blood to the front part of the heart, and blockage can lead to severe damage or death of the heart muscle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a widow maker heart attack can include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. These symptoms are similar to those of other types of heart attacks, and immediate medical attention is necessary.

Treatment

Treatment for a widow maker heart attack typically involves emergency medical intervention to restore blood flow to the heart. This can include angioplasty, where a balloon is used to open the blocked artery, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), where a vein or artery from another part of the body is used to bypass the blocked artery.

Related Terms

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