A blockage in the arteries supplying a person's heart muscle with blood develops over a person's lifetime. An inactive lifestyle and high levels of stress increase a person's risk of a blockage. Symptoms of blocked arteries include discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck and left arm; shortness of breath; nausea or vomiting; sweating; a rapid heart rate; and dizziness. A person should call 911 if she has symptoms for more than 5 minutes.
Types
The coronary arteries may be partially or completely blocked by cholesterol and fat buildup, commonly termed plaque. A blockage can also occur from a piece of dislodged plaque.
Location
A blockage in the front of a person's heart may occur in the main arteries of the heart--the right coronary artery and the left coronary artery--or in any of the smaller branches from these arteries. The right coronary artery divides into the right marginal artery feeding the front, right portion of the heart and the posterior interventricular artery feeding the back, right side of a person's heart. The left coronary artery divides into the anterior interventricular artery feeding the front, left part of his heart and the circumflex artery providing blood flow to the back, left side of a his heart, according to Gary Thibodeau, Ph.D., and Kevin Patton, Ph.D., in their book, "Anatomy & Physiology."
Significance
Restricted blood flow in the arteries which supply blood to a person's heart muscle prevents the heart muscle cells from receiving the nutrients and oxygen they need. It also prevents the removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products. If blood flow is restricted to a small artery of her heart, feeding a small number of heart muscle cells, those cells may die and she may experience pain in her chest or angina. If a large artery feeding a significant segment of her heart muscle does not receive blood, she will have a heart attack. Her heart will be unable to pump blood properly to the rest of her body.
Prevention
A person can reduce his risk of a blockage in his coronary arteries by reducing plaque buildup. A consistent, regular program of aerobic and resistance exercises will reduce a person's risks of plaque buildup and coronary artery disease by maintaining normal levels or controlling abnormal levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood fats and body fat. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, three to five days a week, and two days of resistance training exercises per week.
Warning
If a person has a history of coronary artery blockage or heart disease, she must get medical clearance from her doctor prior to engaging in an exercise program. Exercise increases the strain on the heart to pump blood to working muscles and will increase the risk of having a heart attack.
References
- "Anatomy & Physiology"; Gary Thibodeau, Ph.D., and Kevin Patton, Ph.D.; 2007
- Cleveland Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease
- "Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription"; American College of Sports Medicine; 2006
