THE CONTEXT
Coronary arterial territories explain the rhythm disturbances and myocardial injury associated with arterial occlusion.
Nodal supply and right coronary artery occlusion
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The right coronary artery (RCA)* supplies the sinoatrial node in about 60% of individuals and the atrioventricular node in about 90%.
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Proximal RCA occlusion often produces sinus bradycardia and may cause atrioventricular nodal block.
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Abrupt RCA occlusion due to coronary thrombosis causes infarction of the inferior left ventricle and often the right ventricle.
Other coronary occlusions
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Abrupt occlusion of the left anterior descending or circumflex artery causes infarction in the corresponding left ventricular territory.
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Occlusion of the left main coronary artery is usually fatal.
Venous and lymphatic drainage
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Cardiac veins follow the coronary arteries and drain into the coronary sinus in the atrioventricular groove, then into the right atrium.
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Cardiac lymphatics drain into vessels accompanying the coronary vessels and subsequently into the thoracic duct.