Coronär

Coronär is a term used in anatomy and medicine to describe structures related to the coronary circulation of the heart. The word is derived from the Latin corona, meaning crown, and in Swedish is used to refer to the vessels and tissues that supply the heart muscle (myocardium).

In human anatomy, the coronary arteries originate from the aorta just above the aortic valve. The two primary arteries are the left coronary artery, which divides into the left anterior descending and the circumflex branches, and the right coronary artery. Their branches form the coronary circulation that delivers oxygenated blood to the myocardium. The coronary veins drain deoxygenated blood into the coronary sinus, which returns blood to the right atrium.

Physiologically, coronary blood flow is highest during diastole, when the heart is relaxed. During systole, the contracting myocardium and increased intramyocardial pressure can compress the coronary vessels, limiting blood flow temporarily.

Clinically, coronary disease is a major health concern. Coronary artery disease (CAD) involves atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary arteries, reducing blood supply to the heart and potentially causing angina, myocardial infarction, or heart failure. Risk factors include age, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and family history. Treatments encompass lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapy (antiplatelets, statins, beta-blockers, nitrates) as well as revascularization procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting.

The term coronär is used broadly in medical Swedish to describe anything pertaining to the coronary arteries or coronary circulation, such as coronära artärer or coronärt syndrom.