Coronary occlusion: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Coronary occlusion
| image          = [[File:Blausen_0052_Artery_NormalvPartially-BlockedVessel.png|250px]]
| caption        = Diagram showing a normal artery and a partially blocked artery
| synonyms        = Coronary artery occlusion
| field          = [[Cardiology]]
| symptoms        = [[Chest pain]], [[shortness of breath]], [[nausea]], [[sweating]]
| complications  = [[Myocardial infarction]], [[heart failure]], [[arrhythmia]]
| onset          = Sudden
| duration        = Variable
| causes          = [[Atherosclerosis]], [[thrombosis]], [[coronary artery spasm]]
| risks          = [[Smoking]], [[high blood pressure]], [[high cholesterol]], [[diabetes]], [[obesity]], [[sedentary lifestyle]]
| diagnosis      = [[Electrocardiogram]], [[blood tests]], [[coronary angiography]]
| differential    = [[Angina]], [[pericarditis]], [[pulmonary embolism]]
| prevention      = [[Lifestyle modification]], [[medication]]
| treatment      = [[Medication]], [[angioplasty]], [[coronary artery bypass surgery]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on severity and treatment
| frequency      = Common
}}
{{Short description|Blockage of a coronary artery}}
{{Short description|Blockage of a coronary artery}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''Coronary occlusion''' refers to the partial or complete blockage of a [[coronary artery]], which can lead to a reduction in blood flow to the [[myocardium]] (heart muscle). This condition is a critical component of [[coronary artery disease]] and can result in a [[myocardial infarction]] (heart attack) if not promptly addressed.
'''Coronary occlusion''' refers to the partial or complete blockage of a [[coronary artery]], which can lead to a reduction in blood flow to the [[myocardium]] (heart muscle). This condition is a critical component of [[coronary artery disease]] and can result in a [[myocardial infarction]] (heart attack) if not promptly addressed.
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Coronary occlusion typically occurs due to the buildup of [[atherosclerosis|atherosclerotic plaques]] within the coronary arteries. These plaques are composed of [[lipids]], [[cholesterol]], and other substances that accumulate on the arterial walls. Over time, these plaques can rupture, leading to the formation of a [[thrombus]] (blood clot) that can obstruct blood flow.
Coronary occlusion typically occurs due to the buildup of [[atherosclerosis|atherosclerotic plaques]] within the coronary arteries. These plaques are composed of [[lipids]], [[cholesterol]], and other substances that accumulate on the arterial walls. Over time, these plaques can rupture, leading to the formation of a [[thrombus]] (blood clot) that can obstruct blood flow.
===Atherosclerosis===
===Atherosclerosis===
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that affects the arterial walls. It begins with endothelial injury, which can be caused by factors such as [[hypertension]], [[smoking]], and [[hyperlipidemia]]. The injury leads to the accumulation of lipids and the formation of fatty streaks, which progress to fibrous plaques. These plaques can narrow the arterial lumen and reduce blood flow.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that affects the arterial walls. It begins with endothelial injury, which can be caused by factors such as [[hypertension]], [[smoking]], and [[hyperlipidemia]]. The injury leads to the accumulation of lipids and the formation of fatty streaks, which progress to fibrous plaques. These plaques can narrow the arterial lumen and reduce blood flow.
===Thrombosis===
===Thrombosis===
When an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, it exposes the underlying collagen and tissue factor, triggering the coagulation cascade. This results in the formation of a thrombus that can occlude the artery. The degree of occlusion and the location of the blockage determine the severity of the resulting ischemia.
When an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, it exposes the underlying collagen and tissue factor, triggering the coagulation cascade. This results in the formation of a thrombus that can occlude the artery. The degree of occlusion and the location of the blockage determine the severity of the resulting ischemia.
==Clinical Presentation==
==Clinical Presentation==
The clinical manifestations of coronary occlusion depend on the extent and duration of the blockage. Common symptoms include:
The clinical manifestations of coronary occlusion depend on the extent and duration of the blockage. Common symptoms include:
* [[Angina pectoris]]: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
* [[Angina pectoris]]: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
* [[Dyspnea]]: Shortness of breath, which may occur with exertion or at rest.
* [[Dyspnea]]: Shortness of breath, which may occur with exertion or at rest.
* [[Diaphoresis]]: Excessive sweating, often accompanying chest pain.
* [[Diaphoresis]]: Excessive sweating, often accompanying chest pain.
* [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]]: These symptoms can occur due to the activation of the autonomic nervous system.
* [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]]: These symptoms can occur due to the activation of the autonomic nervous system.
In cases of complete occlusion, a myocardial infarction may occur, characterized by severe chest pain, often described as a "crushing" sensation, radiating to the left arm, neck, or jaw.
In cases of complete occlusion, a myocardial infarction may occur, characterized by severe chest pain, often described as a "crushing" sensation, radiating to the left arm, neck, or jaw.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of coronary occlusion involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic tools include:
The diagnosis of coronary occlusion involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic tools include:
* [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can identify changes indicative of ischemia or infarction.
* [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can identify changes indicative of ischemia or infarction.
* [[Cardiac biomarkers]]: Elevated levels of [[troponin]] and [[creatine kinase-MB]] are markers of myocardial injury.
* [[Cardiac biomarkers]]: Elevated levels of [[troponin]] and [[creatine kinase-MB]] are markers of myocardial injury.
* [[Coronary angiography]]: This imaging technique visualizes the coronary arteries and can identify the location and severity of the occlusion.
* [[Coronary angiography]]: This imaging technique visualizes the coronary arteries and can identify the location and severity of the occlusion.
==Management==
==Management==
The management of coronary occlusion aims to restore blood flow to the affected myocardium and prevent further complications. Treatment options include:
The management of coronary occlusion aims to restore blood flow to the affected myocardium and prevent further complications. Treatment options include:
* [[Pharmacotherapy]]: Medications such as [[antiplatelet agents]], [[anticoagulants]], and [[thrombolytics]] are used to dissolve clots and prevent further thrombosis.
* [[Pharmacotherapy]]: Medications such as [[antiplatelet agents]], [[anticoagulants]], and [[thrombolytics]] are used to dissolve clots and prevent further thrombosis.
* [[Percutaneous coronary intervention]] (PCI): This procedure involves the insertion of a catheter to open the blocked artery, often with the placement of a [[stent]] to keep the artery open.
* [[Percutaneous coronary intervention]] (PCI): This procedure involves the insertion of a catheter to open the blocked artery, often with the placement of a [[stent]] to keep the artery open.
* [[Coronary artery bypass grafting]] (CABG): In cases of severe or multiple blockages, surgical bypass of the occluded arteries may be necessary.
* [[Coronary artery bypass grafting]] (CABG): In cases of severe or multiple blockages, surgical bypass of the occluded arteries may be necessary.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures focus on reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. These include:
Preventive measures focus on reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. These include:
* Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a [[heart-healthy diet]], engaging in regular [[physical activity]], and avoiding [[tobacco]] use.
* Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a [[heart-healthy diet]], engaging in regular [[physical activity]], and avoiding [[tobacco]] use.
* Management of comorbid conditions: Controlling [[hypertension]], [[diabetes mellitus]], and [[dyslipidemia]] through medication and lifestyle changes.
* Management of comorbid conditions: Controlling [[hypertension]], [[diabetes mellitus]], and [[dyslipidemia]] through medication and lifestyle changes.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Histopathology of coronary artery atherosclerosis, annotated.jpg|Coronary occlusion
File:2016 Occluded Coronay Arteries.jpg|Coronary occlusion
</gallery>


==Related pages==
==See also==
* [[Coronary artery disease]]
* [[Coronary artery disease]]
* [[Myocardial infarction]]
* [[Myocardial infarction]]
* [[Atherosclerosis]]
* [[Atherosclerosis]]
* [[Angina pectoris]]
* [[Angina pectoris]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular diseases]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular diseases]]
<gallery>
File:Blausen 0052 Artery NormalvPartially-BlockedVessel.png|Coronary occlusion
File:Histopathology of coronary artery atherosclerosis, annotated.jpg|Coronary occlusion
File:2016 Occluded Coronay Arteries.jpg|Coronary occlusion
File:Moderní výpočetní tomografie s přímo digitální detekcí rentgenového záření.jpg|Coronary occlusion
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 00:26, 27 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Coronary occlusion
Synonyms Coronary artery occlusion
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating
Complications Myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia
Onset Sudden
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary artery spasm
Risks Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle
Diagnosis Electrocardiogram, blood tests, coronary angiography
Differential diagnosis Angina, pericarditis, pulmonary embolism
Prevention Lifestyle modification, medication
Treatment Medication, angioplasty, coronary artery bypass surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Blockage of a coronary artery


Coronary occlusion refers to the partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery, which can lead to a reduction in blood flow to the myocardium (heart muscle). This condition is a critical component of coronary artery disease and can result in a myocardial infarction (heart attack) if not promptly addressed.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Coronary occlusion typically occurs due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries. These plaques are composed of lipids, cholesterol, and other substances that accumulate on the arterial walls. Over time, these plaques can rupture, leading to the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) that can obstruct blood flow.

Atherosclerosis[edit]

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that affects the arterial walls. It begins with endothelial injury, which can be caused by factors such as hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia. The injury leads to the accumulation of lipids and the formation of fatty streaks, which progress to fibrous plaques. These plaques can narrow the arterial lumen and reduce blood flow.

Thrombosis[edit]

When an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, it exposes the underlying collagen and tissue factor, triggering the coagulation cascade. This results in the formation of a thrombus that can occlude the artery. The degree of occlusion and the location of the blockage determine the severity of the resulting ischemia.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

The clinical manifestations of coronary occlusion depend on the extent and duration of the blockage. Common symptoms include:

  • Angina pectoris: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
  • Dyspnea: Shortness of breath, which may occur with exertion or at rest.
  • Diaphoresis: Excessive sweating, often accompanying chest pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur due to the activation of the autonomic nervous system.

In cases of complete occlusion, a myocardial infarction may occur, characterized by severe chest pain, often described as a "crushing" sensation, radiating to the left arm, neck, or jaw.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of coronary occlusion involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic tools include:

Management[edit]

The management of coronary occlusion aims to restore blood flow to the affected myocardium and prevent further complications. Treatment options include:

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures focus on reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. These include:

Gallery[edit]

See also[edit]