| Coronary thrombosis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A medical animation showing the process of a thrombosis blocking the blood vessel | |
| Specialty | Cardiology  |
| Complications | Myocardial 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]
- ^ Klatt MD, Edward C. "Atherosclerosis". Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. The University of Utah. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ "Heart Attack | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)". www.nhlbi.nih.gov. Retrieved 2020-06-16.