Tag: coronary arteries

The proximal aorta serves as the primary conduit for oxygenated blood leaving the heart, acting as the structural foundation for systemic circulation. This schematic diagram illustrates the critical transition from the cardiac outlet through the aortic arch, highlighting the major branches that supply the brain, upper limbs, and the heart muscle itself.

A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) provides a comprehensive view of the heart's electrical activity by grouping leads into specific anatomical territories. This guide details the spatial arrangement of the limb and precordial leads—Lateral, Inferior, Septal, and Anterior—enabling clinicians to localize myocardial ischemia and injury with precision by correlating electrical waveforms with the underlying cardiac muscle and vascular supply.

This diagram provides a clear visual explanation of the Arterial Switch Operation (ASO), a complex but life-saving surgical procedure used to correct transposition of the great arteries (TGA). The top panel illustrates the heart's anatomy before the operation, highlighting the abnormal connections of the great arteries. The bottom panel demonstrates the corrected anatomy post-surgery, showcasing how the arteries are reconnected to ensure proper blood flow. This detailed visual guide is crucial for understanding how this intricate surgery restores normal cardiovascular circulation in affected infants.

This coronary angiogram offers a critical visualization of the blood vessels supplying the heart, specifically in a male patient. Coronary angiography is an invasive diagnostic procedure that uses X-rays and a special dye to highlight the coronary arteries, allowing cardiologists to identify blockages, narrowings, or other abnormalities that could compromise blood flow to the myocardium. This image is essential for diagnosing coronary artery disease and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.

This article provides a detailed explanation of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), focusing on the critical role of fatty deposits within the arteries, as vividly illustrated in the provided diagram. We will explore the anatomy of the coronary arteries, how these deposits lead to arterial narrowing, and the subsequent implications for myocardial blood supply and overall cardiac function. This comprehensive overview is designed to educate both medical professionals and the general public on this prevalent cardiovascular condition.