Coronary thrombosis

Coronary thrombosis
A medical animation showing the process of a thrombosis blocking the blood vessel
SpecialtyCardiology 
ComplicationsMyocardial Infarction

Coronary thrombosis is defined as the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel of the heart. This blood clot may then restrict blood flow within the heart, leading to heart tissue damage, or a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.[1]

Coronary thrombosis is most commonly caused as a downstream effect of atherosclerosis, a buildup of cholesterol and fats in the artery walls. The smaller vessel diameter allows less blood to flow and facilitates progression to a myocardial infarction. Leading risk factors for coronary thrombosis are high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and hypertension.[2]

Symptoms of coronary thrombosis are not always evident at the start. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the upper body.

A coronary thrombosis is a medical emergency (life threatening) and requires emergency care at a hospital.

  1. ^ Klatt MD, Edward C. "Atherosclerosis". Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. The University of Utah. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  2. ^ "Heart Attack | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)". www.nhlbi.nih.gov. Retrieved 2020-06-16.
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