Coronary Arteries
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Coronary Arteries: The Heart's Lifeline
The heart, much like the rest of the body, has its own dedicated blood supply provided by the coronary arteries. These arteries play a crucial role in heart health, and this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of their function.
What are Coronary Arteries?
The term 'coronary' translates to 'crown', a name aptly chosen because these arteries encircle the heart as a crown would. These arteries include the left anterior descending artery and the circumflex artery, among others, each serving different regions of the heart.
The Impact of Blocked Coronary Arteries
When a coronary artery is blocked, as in the event of a heart attack, the heart muscle begins to die or become infarcted due to insufficient oxygen supply. The specific areas of the heart affected by this depend on which arteries are blocked. Such changes can sometimes be detected on an Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Understanding Angina
Angina, a common condition, is caused by partial blockage of the coronary arteries. During exercise, the heart needs more oxygen to maintain an increased beat rate. However, a partially blocked artery restricts the required blood flow, leading to chest pain commonly associated with angina.
Conclusion
In summary, the coronary arteries serve as the life-sustaining conduits for oxygen supply to the heart. Any disruption in this flow, ranging from partial blockages causing angina to complete blockages leading to heart attacks, can have severe implications on heart health and overall well-being.