Coronary arteries are blood vessels that provide
oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients to the heart muscle. The coronary
arteries attach to and wrap around the heart's surface.
The left
coronary artery branches off into smaller arteries. The most prominent ones are
the:
- Left anterior descending artery, which supplies
blood to the front of the heart.
- Left circumflex artery, which
encircles the heart muscle, supplying blood to the back of the heart.
The right coronary artery supplies the back of the heart. The right marginal branch usually extends from the right
coronary artery and supplies blood to the lower right side of the heart.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
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Last Revised
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April 26, 2012 |
Last Revised:
April 26, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology