Coronary circulation in the presence of vascular disease.
This paper discusses three specific aspects of coronary circulation as they relate to the patient with coronary artery disease. Firstly, the normal autoregulatory and metabolic control of the coronary circulation is considered in the light of current understanding of the relevant processes. Secondly, the implications of microcirculatory heterogeneities are discussed. Thirdly, the implications of the current debate on the impact of cardiac contraction for our understanding of the perfusion of the myocardium in compromised circumstances are analysed in an attempt to provide the clinician with a tool for assessing current therapy.
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000503:physiopathology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010477:Perfusion