Coronary artery ectasia

Coronary artery ectasia
Coronary arteries are affected by this condition
SpecialtyCardiology

Coronary artery ectasia is a rare disease that occurs in only 0.3-4.9% of people in North America. Coronary artery ectasia is characterized by the enlargement of a coronary artery to 1.5 times or more than its normal diameter.[1] The disease is commonly asymptomatic and is normally discovered when performing tests for other conditions such as coronary artery disease, stable angina and other acute coronary syndromes.[2][3] Coronary artery ectasia occurs 4 times more frequently in males than in females and in people who have risk factors for heart disease such as smokers.[1][4][5] While the disease is commonly found in patients with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, it can occur by itself and in both cases, it can cause health problems. The disease can cause the heart tissue to be deprived of blood and die due to decreased blood flow, and blockages due to blood clots or spasms of the blood vessel.[2] This blood flow disruption can cause permanent damage to the muscle if the deprivation is prolonged. Coronary artery ectasia also increases the chance of developing large weak spots in the affected coronary arteries, or aneurysms that can rupture and result in death.[1] The damage can result in angina which is pain in the chest and is a common complaint in these patients.

  1. ^ a b c Lin, C.T., Chen, C.W., Lin, T.W., and Lin, C.L (2008) Coronary artery ectasia, Tzu Chi Med, 20(14), 270-274
  2. ^ a b Hsu, P.C., Su, H.M., Lee, H.C., Juo, S.H., Lin, T.H., Voon, W.C., Lai, W.T., and Sheu, S.H.(2014)Coronary artery collateral circulation in patients of coronary ectasia with significant coronary artery disease.PLOS ONE,9(1), doi: 10.13.71
  3. ^ Antoniadia, A.P., Chatzizisis, Y.S., and Giamoglou, G.P. (2008) Pathogenic mechanisms of coronary ectasia. Int J Cardio, 130, 335-343
  4. ^ Hartnell, G.G., Parnell, B.M. and Pridie, R.B. (1985) Coronary artery ectasia: its prevalence and clinical significance in 4993 patients. Br Heart J, 54, 392-405
  5. ^ Li, J., Nie, S., Qian, X., Zeng, H., and Zhang, C. (2009) Chronic inflammatory status in patients with coronary artery ectasia. Cytokine, 46, 61-64
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