What is occlusive coronary atheroma?
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits (atheroma) on the walls of the arteries around the heart (coronary arteries). The build-up of atheroma makes the arteries narrower, restricting the flow of blood to the heart muscle. This process is called atherosclerosis.
Is a coronary occlusion a heart attack?
A coronary occlusion is the partial or complete obstruction of blood flow in a coronary artery. This condition may cause a heart attack. In some patients coronary occlusion causes only mild pain, tightness or vague discomfort which may be ignored; however, the myocardium, the muscle tissue of the heart, may be damaged.
What can cause an occlusion of the coronary artery?
Coronary artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits and inflammatory cells (called plaque) on the inner walls of the arteries that restricts blood flow to the heart.
What is a coronary occlusion mean?
The heart is a muscle, and — like any other muscle — it needs oxygen-rich blood. Chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) occurs when a buildup of plaque blocks the coronary artery for more than 90 days, starving your heart of oxygen. Left untreated, CTO can cause chest pain, unusual fatigue, and lifestyle restrictions.
Is an occlusion a stroke?
Purpose: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a form of acute ischemic stroke that causes severe visual loss and is a harbinger of further cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.
How long can you live with heart blockage?
In general, about half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive five years. About 30% will survive for 10 years. In patients who receive a heart transplant, about 21% of patients are alive 20 years later.
Is an occlusion a blood clot?
Causes & Symptoms of Occlusions Most occlusions are caused by either a blood clot or the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis). A blood clot can form at the site of occlusion, or it can travel from another area through the bloodstream and block an artery. That runaway clot is called an embolism.
How can a coronary occlusion lead to heart damage and failure?
Narrowed arteries can cause chest pain because they can block blood flow to your heart muscle and the rest of your body. Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can’t pump blood the way it should.