Coronary Thrombosis

Overview
Coronary thrombosis occurs when a thrombus forms in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the heart. This blockage starves the heart muscle of vital nutrients, leading to tissue damage or myocardial infarction. It demands immediate intervention as delays can cause irreversible harm or death.

Causes
The primary trigger is atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup narrows arteries; rupture exposes contents that activate clotting. Other factors include artery spasms, inflammation, dissections, emboli, or procedural complications like catheterization. Risk amplifiers are hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.

This illustration depicts plaque progression in the left anterior descending artery, culminating in thrombosis that halts blood flow.

Symptoms and Management

Classic signs involve severe chest pain mimicking indigestion, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, and low blood pressure. Treatment prioritizes clot dissolution via thrombolytics, angioplasty, or stents, followed by rest, antiplatelets, and lifestyle shifts like quitting tobacco and dieting. Survival exceeds 80% with prompt care, emphasizing prevention through risk control.