Coronary & Peripheral Artery Disease

Coronary Arteries

The coronary arteries deliver blood from the aorta to the heart muscle. They include the right coronary artery (RCA), the left coronary artery and their branches.

Peripheral Arteries

The peripheral arteries carry blood outside of the heart and include the arteries that go to the legs, arms, feet, kidneys, stomach, and brain.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease affecting blood vessels called arteries. Fatty material called plaque builds up within the inner lining of arteries. This reduces the amount of blood and oxygen that is delivered to vital organs. Atherosclerosis can occur anywhere in your body, but it is especially dangerous when it affects the arteries leading to your brain, heart, kidneys and legs.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaque. The narrowed arteries decrease the amount of blood and oxygen reaching your heart. If your heart does not receive enough oxygen, you may have chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

Angina

Angina is a pain or discomfort in your chest caused by plaque (deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances) that narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches the heart muscle.

Source: American Heart Association