The coronary arteries arise from the aorta and its origin. They provide blood directly to the heart. Atherosclerosis, or the degeneration of the arteries that occurs, may compromise these blood vessels. This may eventually result in a situation where there may not be adequate blood supplied to the heart for its muscle to function normally. this can occur at rest or during periods of exercise. Coronary artery disease is less common in women before menopause, but affects both sexes over the age of 40.
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is produced by atherosclerosis. The walls of the arteries become increasingly damaged, with layers of plaque or calcification. These agents as well as blood clots can narrow or occlude the coronary arteries. Blood clots frequently in these damaged arteries and may lead to heart attacks.
Signs and Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Early stages of coronary artery disease usually have not produced sufficient narrowing of the blood vessels to produce symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, angina pectoris may develop. In this situation, exercise, and the need to provide more oxygen and nutrients to the heart, provoke chest pain. The chest pain is relieved by rest. This type of pain may radiate into the jaw, the teeth, the shoulder, neck and abdomen. There may be a tightness or pressure in the chest. The symptoms are very similar to that of a heart attack. The only difference is that they gradually subside when the demands of the heart have decreased and adequate blood arrives. Coronary artery disease can also lead to heart attacks. Here, the diseased arteries may form clots or the arterial wall may split apart. There is sudden termination of blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle. Symptoms similar to angina develop. However, the symptoms are often more severe or persist despite rest. In this setting, there may also be shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heart beats, pallor and sweating.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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