Pathophysiology of coronary collaterals.
Michael Stoller, Christian Seiler1
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland. christian.seiler@insel.ch.
Current Cardiology Reviews
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Coronary collateral vessels, once thought rigid, can functionally adapt. Recent studies show these vital pathways increase blood flow during stress, improving myocardial oxygen supply.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Historically, coronary collaterals were considered passive conduits with limited flow capacity.
- This view suggested collaterals could not meet increased myocardial oxygen demand during stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of coronary collateral circulation.
- To highlight the functional adaptation of coronary collaterals to acute circulatory changes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating coronary collateral function.
- Analysis of evidence for collateral vasomotion and flow augmentation.
Main Results:
- Recent research demonstrates coronary collaterals can increase blood flow during exertion and pharmacologic stress.
- Functional adaptation is attributed to collateral vasomotion, challenging the rigid tube concept.
Conclusions:
- Coronary collateral circulation exhibits significant functional adaptability.
- This adaptation is crucial for maintaining adequate myocardial perfusion under increased oxygen demand.
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