Left main coronary artery disease

Abstract

Obstructive disease of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) compromises the major source of blood flow to the left ventricle. Associated disease of other major coronary arteries found in a majority of patients with LMCA disease accentuates the symptoms and probably contributes significantly to the poor prognosis. The authors will consider the various features of LMCA disease, some of which are distinctive and have clinical relevance, and others which do not distinguish these patients from other patients with severe coronary artery disease.