Define Coronary Arteries

Physical Characteristics

• The left coronary artery divides into two smaller branches, the left anterior interventricular artery and the left circumflex artery. The right coronary artery, located along the posterior surface of the heart, branches into the right marginal artery and the posterior interventricular artery.
  
  

Features

• Direct connections, known as anastomoses, exist between small branches of the left and right coronary arteries. Anastomoses have the potential to open up and provide another source of blood to an area. This process, known as collateral circulation, is important if an artery becomes obstructed.
  
  

Maintenance

• Regular aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular fitness by stimulating the development of collateral channels, which improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the heart via the blood.
  
  

Complications

• When these arteries become damaged or blocked (often due to buildup of fatty deposits known as plaques), it is called coronary artery disease. Blockage of the right coronary artery is more likely to result in conduction disturbances (arrhythmias.) Blockage of the left coronary artery is likely to impair pumping capability (congestive heart failure.)
  
  

Symptoms

• Plaque deposits can slowly narrow the coronary arteries, causing the heart to receive less blood. Over time, impaired blood flow can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath or other symptoms. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack.