Final answer:
The Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery, Right Coronary Artery (RCA), Circumflex artery, and Posterior Descending Artery (PDA) are involved in determining the area affected by a STEMI.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arteries involved in the determination of the area affected by a STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) are:
- Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery
- Right Coronary Artery (RCA)
- Circumflex artery
- Posterior Descending Artery (PDA)
A STEMI occurs when there is a complete blockage of one of the coronary arteries, stopping blood flow to a large portion of the heart. The Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery, one of the two major branches of the left coronary artery, is responsible for supplying blood to the front part of the heart. It is often referred to as the 'widow-maker' due to its association with high mortality when blocked. The Right Coronary Artery (RCA) supplies blood to the right atrium, parts of both ventricles, and the heart conduction system. The Circumflex artery, which also arises from the left coronary artery, supplies blood to the lateral side of the heart and fuses with branches of the RCA. Lastly, the Posterior Descending Artery (PDA), a branch of the RCA, runs towards the apex of the heart along the posterior portion of the interventricular sulcus. This artery supplies the interventricular septum and both ventricles.