Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The heart requires a continuous supply of oxygen to function effectively, and these arteries play a crucial role in ensuring this supply is maintained.
There are two main coronary arteries:
The Left Coronary Artery (LCA): It splits into two branches:
The Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD), which supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart.
The Circumflex artery, which encircles the heart muscle, supplying blood to the lateral and underside of the left heart.
The Right Coronary Artery (RCA): It supplies blood to the right ventricle, the bottom portion of the left ventricle, and the back of the septum.
These arteries are situated on the outer surface of the heart, and branches of these arteries penetrate into the heart muscle to provide blood deep into the heart tissue.
Blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or, in severe cases, a heart attack. Conditions such as atherosclerosis (where plaque builds up inside the arteries) can lead to such blockages.
Maintaining the health of the coronary arteries is vital for heart health. This involves managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and leading an active, healthy lifestyle.
