What happens if the circumflex artery is blocked?

Background. Occlusion of the circumflex artery (Cx) often does not present signs in the ECG. It can lead to delayed angiography during ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

How is SCAD diagnosed?

While heart attacks are diagnosed through blood work and an electrocardiogram, SCAD may be diagnosed with an angiogram, referred to as cardiac catherization when done invasively, or by specialized CT scans, which are performed with IV dye injections.

Does stress cause SCAD?

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death. The triggers for SCAD often do not include traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. The most commonly reported triggers are extreme physical or emotional stress.

What can cause a tear in an artery?

Risk factors

• Female sex. Though SCAD can occur in both men and women, it tends to affect women more than men.
• Recent childbirth. Some women who have had SCAD have recently given birth.
• Underlying blood vessel conditions.
• Inherited connective tissue diseases.
• Very high blood pressure.
• Illegal drug use.

Is a blocked circumflex artery serious?

In less than half of people, it may also supply blood to the sinoatrial nodal artery. With anomalous coronary arteries, the circumflex artery or others may be deformed at birth. Such a defect can present a great danger to the child (especially if taking part in aerobic sports) as it can increase risk for heart failure.

Can you live a long life with SCAD?

Subsequent dissections are more likely to occur within the first few months of the first event, with the risk reducing as time goes by. The good news is that the large majority of people who have experienced SCAD go on to live healthy lives without further problems.

Will SCAD show up on EKG?

SCAD will mimic ACS with ST elevations on EKG, troponin increase, and wall motion abnormalities on bedside echo. These patients are diagnosed in the catheterization lab and typically managed with either a stent or bypass surgery.

How do I recover from SCAD?

The goal of treatment for SCAD is to restore blood flow to your heart. Sometimes, this healing will occur naturally. In others, doctors may have to restore blood flow by opening the artery with a balloon or stent. Bypass surgery may also be used.

How important is the left circumflex artery?

The left anterior descending artery branches off the left coronary artery and supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart. The circumflex artery branches off the left coronary artery and encircles the heart muscle. This artery supplies blood to the lateral side and back of the heart.

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