Coronary refers to the transportation of blood to and from the heart via blood vessels such as the coronary artery and vein. The coronary artery carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart whereas the coronary vein brings oxygenated blood to the heart. A problem with this transport system is called coronary artery disease, or CAD, and can result in coronary symptoms.
Coronary artery disease, also referred to as heart disease, is a condition where the arteries become restricted with a buildup of plaque, or fatty deposits. This condition, known as atherosclerosis but commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries, can restrict blood flow. Coronary symptoms include circulatory or blood flow constraints can affect the entire body. Atherosclerosis can be brought or exacerbated by other physical problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, or diabetes.
Coronary symptoms resulting from plaque buildup can include the formation of blood clots if the fatty deposits burst. A blood clot, or thrombus, is the thickening or clumping of blood cells, which can severely limit or even prevent blood flow throughout the body. In severe cases where the flow of blood is completely obstructed, the victim can suffer a heart attack or stroke. A heart attack, sometimes referred to as "a coronary," is when there is no flow of blood to the heart. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is diminished.
Another serious complication which can occur from coronary symptoms is an aneurysm, or the bursting of the wall of a blood vessel. This can result in blood leaking out of the vessels and into the body.
Typically, coronary symptoms resulting from the narrowing of the arteries happen gradually, as the fatty deposits thicken. Warning signs of decreased blood flow can include pain or numbness and weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, and angina, depending on the location of the blockage. Angina is another word for chest pains which may imitate the symptoms of a heart attack such as chest tightness or pressure, and pain. Other coronary symptoms of angina can include fatigue, radiating pain into the back, shoulders or arms, and dizziness.
Treatment for coronary symptoms and their related physical problems can include coronary artery bypass. This is a surgical procedure on the heart which bypasses or detours the flow of blood around the blockage to reestablish sufficient movement of blood through the circulatory system. This enables the heart and the rest of the body to regain proper blood supply and functioning.
