The collateral circulation is another pathway formed between the coronary arteries.
1. The collateral circulation is the network of vessels formed between the proximal and distal branches of the main trunk of the vessel. These networks are intrinsic and are normally quiescent and inactive. However, when the main stem is blocked, it becomes active and undertakes part of the blood circulation to supplement or even completely replace the main stem.
2. It is mainly responsible for transporting blood to the distal end of the obstructed blood vessel, increasing the blood supply to the myocardial cells at the distal end of the obstructed blood vessel, slowing down myocardial ischemia, reducing angina attacks and preventing myocardial infarction.
Patients with coronary heart disease should be treated reasonably effectively under the guidance of a physician.