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Does the heart get its own blood supply?

Ok so the heart obvious gives blood but its a hard working organ and needs o2, so how is it supplied with o2?
Yes, the coronary vessels supply the heart with blood. The left coronary artery and right coronary arteries arise from the ascending aorta - the first bit of the aorta.
Reply 2
Original post by Muppet Science
Yes, the coronary vessels supply the heart with blood. The left coronary artery and right coronary arteries arise from the ascending aorta - the first bit of the aorta.


so the coronary arteries supply it with oxygenated blood, because its a hard working organ and it needs energy does it use the o2 for respiration?
Original post by Tj789
so the coronary arteries supply it with oxygenated blood, because its a hard working organ and it needs energy does it use the o2 for respiration?


The heart is essentially a muscular pump, beating at an average of 72 beats per minute. Hence it requires a lot of fuel, and that O2 is indeed used for aerobic respiration to enable the heart to keep beating.
Reply 4
Original post by Muppet Science
The heart is essentially a muscular pump, beating at an average of 72 beats per minute. Hence it requires a lot of fuel, and that O2 is indeed used for aerobic respiration to enable the heart to keep beating.


In my book it says restriction of the coronary artery reduces o2 and nutrients such as fatty acids to the heart which can cause angina. Isnt fatty acids bad for the heart because they can block arteries, also the nutrients is simply for energy right?
Original post by Tj789
In my book it says restriction of the coronary artery reduces o2 and nutrients such as fatty acids to the heart which can cause angina. Isnt fatty acids bad for the heart because they can block arteries, also the nutrients is simply for energy right?


Fatty acids may be used in aerobic respiration, though typically one things of glucose being the primary source for aerobic respiration. 'Restriction' (or stenosis if being fancy) of the coronary vessels reduces the blood flow, and so the O2. The pain felt is ischaemic heart pain. Angina pectoris is predictable ischaemic chest pain on exertion. On exertion (climbing a hill for instance) there is an increased O2 demand due to increased heart rate; if the blood supply does not match this then you get the pain.

Quote me again if you need any more help :smile:

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