The heart has 3 major coronary arteries. Two of these arteries arise from a common stem, called the left main coronary artery. Below is a picture of a normal human heart. Coronary arteries lay initially on the surface of the heart before they dive deep and eventually reach the muscle cells:
- The left main coronary artery supplies the left side of the heart.
- Its left anterior descending (LAD) branch supplies the front part of the heart.
- The left circumflex (LCX) branch supplies the left lateral and back side of the heart.
- Finally, the right coronary artery (RCA) is separate and supplies the right and the bottom parts of the heart.
Comments 2
I was born without a RCA . I have 2 stents in the LAD. Does this put an unhealthy load on my remaining arteries?
I have 70% blockage in my heart left artery. I was scheduled for open heart bypass but my surgeon determined I was not a good candidate and canceled the surgery. The veins in my legs are to small and I have emphysema, 50%. Today the heart surgeon that will perform my surgery through heart cath said the clogged artery is the left aorta. To say the least, I am confused. It was explained, to me, that this procedure has more of a risk. Clearing the artery and then placing a stent. I’m scheduled for surgery the 23rd of this December. I don’t know if there will be any other stents placed. I’m a 67 year old woman.