Coronary arteries

Coronary arteries are the two main arteries that provide blood to the heart. They branch off from the aorta near the point where the aorta and the left ventricle of the heart meet. These arteries and their branches supply all parts of the heart muscle with blood.

Anatomy

There are two main coronary arteries: the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left coronary artery (LCA). The RCA branches into the right marginal artery and the posterior descending artery. The LCA branches into the left anterior descending artery and the circumflex artery.

Function

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself, unlike other arteries which supply blood to other parts of the body. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are carried in the blood. When the coronary arteries narrow or get blocked, it can lead to a heart disease called coronary artery disease.

Diseases and conditions

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States. It occurs when the coronary arteries become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque on the inner walls or lining of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This can slow down or block blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain (angina), a heart attack, or other heart problems.

Treatment

Treatment for coronary artery disease usually involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes, surgery. This can include a procedure known as coronary angioplasty, where a balloon is used to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, or coronary artery bypass grafting, where blood vessels are taken from another part of the body and used to bypass the blocked coronary arteries.

See also

• Heart
• Aorta
• Coronary artery disease
• Angina
• Heart attack

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  Diagram of coronary arteries
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  Flow of blood through coronary arteries
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  Atherosclerosis in coronary arteries
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  Animation of a heart attack
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  Heart with ventricles and arteries
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  Anterior view of coronary vessels
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  Posterior view of coronary vessels