Artery · Heart & chest
Coronary Arteries
The coronary arteries are the small arteries that supply the heart muscle itself with blood. When one becomes blocked, the result is a heart attack.
What it is
The coronary arteries are a network of arteries that branch from the base of the aorta and wrap around the heart to feed its muscle.
Where it runs
On the surface of the heart, branching across it.
What it does
Deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle so it can keep pumping.
When things go wrong
Common problems affecting the coronary arteries
- Coronary heart disease (narrowing from fatty build-up)
- Angina
- Heart attack (when an artery is blocked)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain, sudden breathlessness, or stroke symptoms (FAST) are emergencies — call 999.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
Even though blood constantly flows through the heart's chambers, the heart muscle relies entirely on the coronary arteries for its own oxygen supply.
Answers
Coronary Arteries: frequently asked questions
What do the coronary arteries do?
They supply the heart muscle itself with oxygen-rich blood. A blockage in one causes a heart attack.
What is coronary heart disease?
It is the build-up of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart — the leading cause of heart attacks. Not smoking, exercise and a healthy diet lower the risk.
Related vessels
Other artery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Blood and the circulatory system
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- British Heart Foundation — how the heart works
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