Kransæðar

Kransæðar are the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself. They originate from the aorta, the main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body. There are two main coronary arteries: the left main coronary artery and the right coronary artery. The left main coronary artery branches into the left anterior descending artery and the left circumflex artery. These arteries branch further into smaller vessels, forming a network that nourishes the myocardium. The heart muscle requires a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly, and the coronary arteries are responsible for delivering this vital blood flow. Blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries, often due to atherosclerosis, can significantly reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. This condition, known as coronary artery disease, can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack (myocardial infarction). The health of the coronary arteries is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.