Coronary arteries

The primary function of coronary arteries is to deliver oxygenated blood to the myocardium, the thick layer of muscle tissue that forms the heart's walls. This supply is crucial, as the heart is a continuously working organ, requiring a constant flow of oxygen to generate the energy needed for each heartbeat. In situations where the heart's oxygen demands increase—such as during physical exercise or stress—coronary arteries can dilate to increase blood flow. Additionally, they play a vital role in the overall cardiovascular system, as healthy coronary arteries help to maintain an adequate supply of nutrients not just to the heart, but also support its ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body.

Coronary arteries are located on the surface of the heart, encircling it like a crown, which is reflected in their name. The right coronary artery typically arises from the right side of the aorta and supplies the right atrium and right ventricle, as well as parts of the left ventricle. The left coronary artery branches into the left anterior descending artery, which supplies the front of the left ventricle and the interventricular septum, and the left circumflex artery, which supplies the left atrium and the side and back of the left ventricle. The intricate arrangement of these arteries allows them to efficiently distribute blood across all regions of the heart muscle.

• Coronary arteries can become narrowed or blocked by the buildup of fatty deposits, leading to coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of heart attacks.
• Every minute, the coronary arteries deliver enough blood to fill a basketball court.
• The diameter of the coronary arteries can vary significantly among individuals, and even small differences can have substantial impacts on heart health.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common surgical procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart when arteries are severely blocked.