Coronary stenoses refer to the narrowing or occlusion of one or more coronary arteries due to the accumulation of plaque or the development of lesions, impeding the normal blood flow supplying the heart muscle. The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the cardiac muscle, enabling it to pump effectively. When these arteries become constricted or blocked by atherosclerotic plaques, the condition is known as coronary stenoses.
Coronary stenoses typically develop over time as a result of atherosclerosis, a process where fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries, forming plaques. These plaques can gradually grow and harden, narrowing the vessel lumen and reducing the amount of blood flow that can pass through.
The presence of coronary stenoses can have serious implications for cardiac health, potentially leading to a range of symptoms such as angina (chest pain or discomfort), shortness of breath, fatigue, or even heart attack in severe cases. Coronary stenoses are a common underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Diagnostic methods such as coronary angiography or computed tomography angiography (CTA) may be utilized to visualize and evaluate coronary stenoses. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and can include lifestyle modifications, medication to manage risk factors, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures such as angioplasty or stent placement, or in more severe cases, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Efforts to prevent coronary stenoses and coronary artery disease often involve lifestyle changes incorporating a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, smoking cessation, and management of risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol,
