Definition

1. Noun:
   • A blockage of a coronary artery: This refers to the complete or partial obstruction of one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage is typically caused by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque or by a blood clot (thrombus).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The patient was rushed to the hospital after suffering a coronary occlusion.
  • Atherosclerosis is a common cause of coronary occlusion.

Advanced Usage

• Medical context: The term is used specifically in cardiology and emergency medicine to describe a critical event that can lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
  • The angiography revealed a complete coronary occlusion in the left anterior descending artery.

Variants and Related Words

• Coronary thrombosis (n): Often used similarly, though it specifically implies the blockage is caused by a blood clot.
  • The autopsy confirmed death by coronary thrombosis.
• Myocardial infarction (n): The heart attack that is often the result of a severe coronary occlusion.
  • A prolonged coronary occlusion can result in a myocardial infarction.

Synonyms

• Coronary artery blockage
• Coronary artery obstruction

Related Phrases

• Acute coronary occlusion: A sudden and complete blockage.
  • He experienced an acute coronary occlusion while exercising.
• Chronic total occlusion (CTO): A long-standing, complete blockage of a coronary artery.
  • The cardiologist specializes in procedures to open chronic total occlusions.

Noun

1. occlusion of a coronary artery caused either by progressive atherosclerosis or by a blood clot