Coronary occlusion

Coronary occlusion is a medical condition characterized by the blockage of a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart muscle. This blockage is typically caused by a blood clot that forms on a plaque in a heart artery, leading to a heart attack.

Causes

The primary cause of coronary occlusion is atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. This plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin. When the plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms at the site of the rupture. If the clot becomes large enough, it can completely block the flow of blood through the coronary artery, leading to a heart attack.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of coronary occlusion is chest pain or discomfort, which can feel like a heavy pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest. Other symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.

Diagnosis

Coronary occlusion is diagnosed through a variety of tests. These can include an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the heart's electrical activity, blood tests to detect proteins that are released when the heart muscle is damaged, and a coronary angiogram, which uses X-ray imaging to see the heart's blood vessels.

Treatment

Treatment for coronary occlusion aims to restore blood flow to the heart. This can be achieved through medications, such as aspirin, thrombolytics, antiplatelet agents, and anticoagulants. In some cases, procedures may be required, such as coronary angioplasty and stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Prevention

Prevention of coronary occlusion involves managing risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity. This can be achieved through a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and taking prescribed medications as directed.

See also

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Atherosclerosis

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