The full form of RCA in cardiology is Right Coronary Artery.
The right coronary artery (RCA) is a major blood vessel that originates from the ascending aorta and supplies blood to the right side of the heart, including the right atrium, right ventricle, and part of the left ventricle. It also supplies blood to the sinoatrial (SA) node (the heart's natural pacemaker) and the atrioventricular (AV) node in most individuals.
The RCA typically branches into:
- Right Posterior Descending Artery (RPDA): Supplies the inferior wall of the left ventricle and the posterior portion of the interventricular septum.
- Acute Marginal Artery: Supplies the right ventricle.
Blockage or narrowing of the RCA due to conditions like atherosclerosis can lead to decreased blood flow (ischemia) to the heart muscle, causing chest pain (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction), or other cardiovascular problems. Therefore, the RCA is a critical artery that plays a vital role in maintaining proper heart function.
