How serious is anomalous coronary artery?

Getting treatment for a blocked anomalous coronary artery can prevent serious problems. These include lack of blood to the heart muscle (ischemia), irregular heart rhythms, and sudden cardiac death. Some people with an anomalous coronary artery can be treated with medicines and lifestyle changes.

What is an anomalous RCA?

Three subtypes of anomalous RCA have been described: (1) a high interarterial course between the pulmonary artery and the aorta; (2) a low interarterial course between the right ventricular outflow tract and the aorta; and (3) a hypoplastic anomalous RCA orifice.

Which anomalous coronary artery course should be considered for surgery?

Asymptomatic individuals with the left main coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva should be offered surgery (class 1, level of evidence B). Individuals with an anomalous origin of the RCA from the left sinus of Valsalva should be evaluated for inducible ischemia (class IIa, level of evidence C).

What is anomalous coronary artery?

An anomalous coronary artery (ACA) is a heart defect. This is something your baby is born with (congenital). In ACA, the blood vessels that supply blood to your child’s heart muscle aren’t normal. In some cases, the arteries don’t arise from the correct place, or there are other problems with size or connections.

Can you live with an anomalous coronary artery?

Coronary artery anomalies are common in the general population. They may accompany other congenital heart diseases and can cause myocardial ischemia, a decrease in life expectancy, or sudden death. Most patients with coronary artery anomalies are asymptomatic [1].

How is anomalous coronary artery diagnosed?

Diagnosing Anomalous Coronary Artery (ACA)

1. Chest X-ray.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
3. Echocardiogram (echo)
4. Cardiac catheterization.
5. Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
7. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
8. Nuclear imaging.

Is an anomalous coronary artery genetic?

Some studies have shown that certain types of CAAs can run in families, but doctors have not yet found a solid pattern to say for sure that CAAs may be hereditary. Coronary artery anomalies are found in about 5% of people who undergo cardiac catheterization to find out why they are having chest pain.

How long can you live with one heart artery?

Survival at 6 years: 85% for one artery.