What happens if the coronary artery is blocked?

When the coronary artery, responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart, becomes blocked, it leads to a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD) or ischemic heart disease. The blockage usually occurs due to a buildup of plaque, consisting of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances, inside the artery.

A blocked coronary artery prevents sufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in various symptoms and potential complications:

1. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): A complete blockage or sudden, severe reduction in blood flow to a part of the heart causes a heart attack. The affected heart tissues are deprived of oxygen, leading to cell death. Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and pain in the arm, jaw, or back.

2. Chest Pain (Angina): If the blockage partially restricts blood flow, individuals may experience angina or chest pain. Angina typically occurs during physical exertion, emotional stress, or exposure to cold temperatures and usually subsides with rest or medication.

3. Arrhythmias: Blocked coronary arteries can disrupt the heart's electrical system, causing irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. Some arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

4. Heart Failure: Prolonged or severe blockages can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure. The weakened heart is unable to effectively pump blood throughout the body, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the feet, ankles, and abdomen.

5. Sudden Cardiac Death: In some cases, a blocked coronary artery can cause sudden cardiac death, also known as a "cardiac arrest." This occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, often due to a severe disruption of the heart's electrical impulses by the blockage.

Treatment for blocked coronary arteries includes medications, lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, and quitting smoking), angioplasty (stent placement), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), depending on the severity of the blockage and individual patient factors.