Intermediate
Technical
IVT
coronary artery stenosis
Narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
Full Definition
Pathological narrowing of the coronary arterial lumen, most commonly caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation but also resulting from vasospasm, thrombosis, or external compression. Stenosis is typically quantified as percentage reduction in luminal diameter, with hemodynamically significant stenosis generally considered ≥70% for major epicardial vessels or ≥50% for left main coronary artery. Severe stenosis can lead to myocardial ischemia, particularly during increased oxygen demand.
Usage
Usage note: Include percentage when quantified; use 'stenoses' as plural form.
In Context
- "Angiography demonstrated 85% stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending artery." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "Multiple coronary artery stenoses were noted at autopsy examination." — Post-mortem examination
Also known as
coronary stenosis
coronary narrowing
Contrasted with
coronary dilatation
Don't confuse with
coronary occlusion
coronary spasm