What Is Anomalous Coronary Artery?
Symptoms of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Complications of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Causes of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Diagnosis of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Treatment of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Prevention of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Living with Anomalous Coronary Artery
Contact Dr. Arun If You Have ACA
What Is Anomalous Coronary Artery?
Anomalous coronary artery (abbreviated to ACA) is a condition, wherein, one or more of the coronary arteries are abnormally positioned by arising from the wrong side of the aorta i.e. they do not develop normally. This results in blood flow being obstructed to the heart muscle. This can cause problems with blood flow to the heart and can lead to chest pain, arrhythmias, heart attacks, and even sudden cardiac death, in most severe cases.
Types of ACA
ACA heart condition is caused by a malformation of the coronary arteries. It has 2 major types, as follows:
- The most common type of ACA is when the left main coronary artery (LMCA) arises from the right side of the aorta. This type of ACA is also known as “anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right aortic sinus (ALCAPA).”
- Other one is the anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the opposite chamber (i.e. ACAOS)
Symptoms of Anomalous Coronary Artery
The symptoms may occur during physical activity or stress, or they may happen at rest. The symptoms of ACA can occur when the coronary arteries are unable to supply enough blood to the heart muscle. Such symptoms may include the following:
- Chest pain, which is often worse with exertion
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
Complications of Anomalous Coronary Artery
If left untreated, ACA can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have ACA.
Causes of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Causes of ACA are not fully understood, but it is thought to be a congenital (present at birth) condition. It is more common in people who have certain genetic disorders, such as Noonan syndrome. Some probable causes of anomalous coronary artery include the following;
- Birth defects
- Genetic disorders
- Damage to the coronary arteries from inflammation or injury
Diagnosis of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Diagnosis of ACA is often made with coronary angiography, whose output is an angiogram. The test uses X-rays and dye to visualize the coronary arteries. The angiogram can show if there is a blockage or narrowing in the arteries. Other tests that may be used include echocardiography, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, and cardiac catheterization
Treatment of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Treatment of ACA depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may involve surgery to bypass the blockage or narrowing in the coronary arteries. In some of the more severe cases, the treatment of ACA may involve a surgery to correct the position of the arteries. In some cases, additional procedures, such as angioplasty or stenting, may be necessary, wherein, a stent may be placed to keep the arteries open.
Prevention of Anomalous Coronary Artery
Prevention of ACA is not possible. However, early diagnosis and treatment of the condition can help to prevent serious complications, such as heart attack or heart failure. This includes taking measures to prevent birth defects and genetic disorders. It is also important to avoid inflammation and injury to the coronary arteries. There are other things too that can be done to help prevent ACA, including avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
Living with Anomalous Coronary Artery
Living with ACA can be difficult. It is important to work with a doctor to manage the condition. This may involve making lifestyle changes, such as exercising & eating a healthy diet, and regular monitoring by a doctor. It is important to follow your treatment plan and to make sure that your coronary arteries are not blocked or damaged.
Contact Dr. Arun If You Have ACA
If you have ACA, it will be helpful for you to seek treatment from a qualified cardiologist. Dr. Arun is a highly skilled and experienced interventional cardiologist who can provide the care and treatment you need. Dr. Arun has successfully treated many patients with ACA, and can help you get the care you need. If you have ACA, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Arun. He can provide the treatment and care you need to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
