What are collateral vessels?
Collateral blood vessels are extra blood vessels that connect parts of the same arteries or connect two different arteries. These alternative blood circulation routes develop in most people and are usually closed for blood flow. Collateral blood vessels can be microscopic or may grow. In some individuals, the enlarged collateral blood vessels begin to transport blood. Some cases of active collateral circulation are beneficial, while in other cases this type of blood circulation can cause serious medical complications. In some cases, doctors recommend treatment to close the collateral vessels that have opened and enlarged. The progress of cardiac catheterization can be used to place special plugs and coils in alternative blood vessels and their closure. Plugs and coils cause blood clots to form in blood vessels and support tissue growth, which permanently seals these vessels in most cases.
Coronary heart disease can cause partial or complete artery blocking known as myocardial ischemia. These blockages often cause insufficient blood flow to the patient's heart muscle. Collateral blood vessels benefit some patients with myocardial ischemia when their other blood vessels open and supply blood to the heart, partially replacing the lack of circulation in blocked arteries. Many or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can block blood flow in the brain. In some cases, patients with a brain have experienced an improved blood flow in their brains from collateral vessels that skip blood around blockages.
Some people with collateral blood vessels develop congestive heart failure, a serious condition caused by excessive stress of the heart and inability to pump enough blood. The common symptoms of congestive heart failure include shortness breath, fatigue and swelling of ankles, legs and abdomen. Doctors can prescribe medicines such as blood pressure medicines to improve blood flow throughout the circulatory system.Some patients with congestive heart failure are subject to coronary bypass or surgery of angioplasty and surgery of heart valves to improve blood flow to the heart.
Collateral vessels may cause endocarditis in some individuals. Endocarditis is an inflammation of the heart valves and the inner lining of the chambers of the heart. This condition may be more likely to occur when the heart valves have weakened. Fever, excessive sweating and fatigue are common symptoms of this health condition. Doctors may recommend long -term use of antibiotics or heart valve surgery as treatment of endocarditis.