Why does a thrombus occur in a coronary vessel?
In the majority of cases, the thrombosis occurs at a site where the coronary artery has already been narrowed or blocked. The coronary artery narrowing may be due to process of atherosclerosis or cholesterol plaque build up. Because the blood is unable to flow through the narrowed portion of the coronary artery, it slows down and starts to sticks to the vessel wall- eventually forming a blood clot. What are symptoms of a coronary thrombus? Most individuals with a coronary thrombus have symptoms which may include: – chest pain – sweating – dizziness – difficulty breathing or fast breathing – chest palpitations (fast heart rate) – nausea, vomiting Who is at risk for a coronary thrombus? Coronary thrombus is most common in individuals who: – smoke – are diabetic – have uncontrolled blood pressure – have high cholesterol levels – have a family history of heart problems – are obese – who are inactive How is a diagnosis of coronary thrombus made? The features of chest pain may indicate a cor
