Arteries which supply the heart muscle

These vessels, although small, may actually succeed in providing sufficient blood to help prevent major damage to the heart muscle during a heart attack. When the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood through the coronary arteries, the affected heart muscle can weaken or die.

This is what happens during a heart attack. The damaged heart muscle cannot pump effectively, leading to heart failure. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Rakesh K. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Coronary Arteries and Heart Function.

Since coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart muscle, any coronary artery disorder or disease can have serious implications by reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. This can lead to a heart attack and possibly death. Atherosclerosis a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery causing it to narrow or become blocked is the most common cause of heart disease. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What are the different coronary arteries?

The 2 main coronary arteries are the left main and right coronary arteries. The left main coronary divides into branches: The left anterior descending artery branches off the left coronary artery and supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart. Why are the coronary arteries important? Read our strategy. See the latest vacancies.

Search vacancies near you. Get in touch with any enquiries. Contact us. Coronary arteries supply blood to your heart.

Your heart muscle has to work very hard to ensure that an adequate blood supply is pumped to your whole body. Because your heart is a muscle, it requires its own blood supply to provide it with the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

It gets this blood supply from the main coronary arteries, which lead straight off the main blood vessel aorta leaving your heart after picking up fresh oxygen.

If your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked then the blood supply to your heart will be impaired. This is the most common form of heart disease, known as coronary heart disease sometimes called coronary artery, or ischaemic heart, disease. This website uses cookies to help provide you with a better service, and if you continue without changing your settings we assume you are happy to use them.