Examination of heart vessels is one of the most important diagnostic measures in cardiology medicine, which plays a vital role in identifying heart diseases, including coronary artery blockage or stenosis. Coronary arteries are the vessels that are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle (myocardium). Contrary to the idea of ​​some people who think that the heart only sends blood to other parts of the body, the heart itself needs a dedicated blood supply for proper functioning, and this is done by the coronary vessels. Cardiac vessels are the tubes that are located on the surface of the heart and deliver oxygen and nutrients from the blood to the heart muscle. Without the proper functioning of these vessels, the heart muscle suffers from anemia, damage or even cell death. Heart vessels are like "fuel pipes" to the heart engine. Any disorder in these vessels can make the heart fail. Knowing these vessels and their importance is the first step to prevent and treat heart diseases. **Types of heart vessels** The two main branches of **coronary veins branch off from the aorta** (the largest artery in the body): 1. **Left Coronary Artery** - It is divided into two main branches: - anterior descending artery (LAD) - Circumflex artery (LCX) 2. **Right Coronary Artery (RCA)** It supplies blood to parts of the right ventricle, right atrium, and part of the left ventricle. ### **vital role of these vessels** If these vessels become blocked or narrowed, not enough blood reaches the heart. What is the result? - **angina (chest pain)** - **heart attack (myocardial infarction)** - **heart failure** - **Cardiac arrhythmias** **What causes heart vessel damage?** - Fat deposition (atherosclerotic plaque) - High blood pressure - Diabetes - cigarettes - High cholesterol - Chronic stress - Sedentary lifestyle ### **Examination of heart vessels (coronary vessels): why, how and when?** Examining heart vessels is one of the most important diagnostic procedures in cardiology, which plays a vital role in identifying heart diseases, including coronary artery blockage or stenosis. Coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, and any dysfunction in their function can lead to **angina**, **heart attack or heart failure**. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for conducting the examination, the different methods of evaluating the heart vessels, and their applications. **The importance of examining coronary arteries** The heart muscle needs continuous and sufficient blood flow to function properly. This blood is supplied through the coronary arteries. In case of obstruction or narrowing of these vessels, the risk of heart diseases increases. Timely diagnosis of vascular disorders can: - Prevent heart attack - Improve the process of treating heart diseases - Reduce the need for surgery or invasive procedures - Reduce the risk of death from heart diseases ### When should heart vessels be checked? The doctor may prescribe **examination of heart vessels** in the following conditions: - Presence of **symptoms of angina pectoris** (chest pain or pressure) - Abnormal result of ECG or exercise test - Family history of heart diseases - Risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood fat or smoking - Evaluation before some major surgeries - Patients with heart failure or heart muscle weakness **Methods for examining heart vessels** ### **1. ECG** It is a quick and basic test to check the electrical activity of the heart. Although it does not give direct information about the vessels, it can show signs of ischemia or heart muscle damage. ### **2. Exercise test (stress test)** In this method, the patient exercises on a treadmill or a stationary bike and an ECG is taken at the same time. If the blood supply is insufficient when the heart's demand for oxygen increases, symptoms will appear on the ECG. ### **3. Nuclear heart scan** With the use of radioactive materials, the blood flow to the heart is checked in the state of rest and stress. This method is more sensitive than the exercise test. Read about this: care after nuclear heart scan ### **4. Stress echocardiography** It is a combination of ** echocardiography ** and ** exercise test **. The movement changes of the heart muscle are evaluated under stress conditions to identify hypoperfusion areas. ### **5. Coronary CT angiography (CT-Angiography)** It is a non-invasive and accurate method to check the structure of coronary vessels using **CT scan machine** and injection of contrast material. This method can show the degree of plaque deposition, narrowness and even complete blockage of the vessels in high detail. ### **6. Coronary Angiography** The most accurate method to check the heart vessels that is done invasively. In this method, a narrow tube (catheter) is guided to the heart through the groin or wrist artery, and by injecting contrast material, a precise image of the coronary arteries is prepared. Angiography is usually performed when other methods are inconclusive or the patient has severe symptoms. For more information, read: The best way to diagnose coronary artery disease **Is it dangerous to check the arteries of the heart?** Most of the methods such as ECG, **exercise test** or **CT angiography** are safe and have few side effects. But invasive methods such as **angiography** may be associated with risks such as bleeding, infection or damage to the vessels. These risks are very low if the specialist is experienced. conclusion Examination of heart vessels is an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of heart diseases. By using modern imaging methods and non-invasive tests, it is possible to assess the condition of **coronary arteries** before serious problems occur and start appropriate treatment measures. If there is any **chest pain**, shortness of breath, or a family history of **heart disease**, consultation with a **cardiologist** and necessary tests are recommended. **Dr. Marvarid Judge, a specialist in cardiology and echocardiography in Tehran** is ready to provide **Echo heart services in Tehran**. Dr. Dadres provides the best echocardiography services in Tehran with the best equipment. To **get an appointment**, you can apply through the contact number or appointment booking section.