Coronary Arteries: Anatomy and Function

Overview

What are Coronary Arteries?

• Major blood vessels supplying blood to the heart.
• Enable the heart to beat and pump blood throughout the body.
• Consist of:
  • Right Coronary Artery (RCA)
  • Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA)
• Each artery contains smaller branches deep inside the heart muscle.

Function

Purpose of Coronary Arteries

• Supply the heart with blood, providing oxygen and nutrients.
• Essential for the heart muscles to pump blood efficiently through the heart and body.

Anatomy

Location

• Found around and inside the heart muscle.
• Branch off the aorta, starting at the aortic root (first part of the aorta from the left ventricle).

Structure

• Right Coronary Artery (RCA):

  • Supplies blood to the right atrium and ventricle.
  • Branches supply SA and AV nodes, and part of the interventricular septum.

• Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA):

  • Supplies blood to the left atrium and ventricle.
  • Branches supply the remaining interventricular septum.

Variations

• Structure can vary among individuals.
• Examples:
  • Arteries may be surrounded by fat or embedded in heart muscle.
  • Blood supply to SA/AV nodes may differ.
  • Rarely, a single artery divides into right and left branches.

Size

• Main arteries: 3-4 millimeters in diameter.
• Size varies by sex, body weight, and ethnicity.

Composition

• Walls have three layers:
  • Tunica intima: Inner layer for smooth blood flow.
  • Media: Elastic middle layer for blood pressure regulation.
  • Adventitia: Outer layer containing vessels for nutrient delivery.

Conditions and Disorders

Common Disorders

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
  • Caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup).
  • Leads to clogged arteries and potential heart attacks.

Other Conditions

• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Sudden blood flow loss, includes heart attacks.
• Aneurysms: Bulges in vessel walls.
• Congenital abnormalities and coronary spasms (muscle tightening).

Care

Keeping Arteries Healthy

• Consume a heart-healthy diet low in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats.
• Regular exercise.
• Manage blood pressure.
• Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.

Additional Common Questions

When to Call a Doctor

• Call 911 if experiencing symptoms of a heart attack:
  • Chest pain, cold sweat, jaw, neck, back, arm, or shoulder pain.
  • Shortness of breath, weakness, or light-headedness.

Conclusion

• Coronary arteries supply heart muscles with necessary oxygen and nutrients.
• Healthy habits reduce the risk of CAD and heart attacks.
• Cleveland Clinic provides personalized treatment plans for coronary artery disease.