Posterior interventricular

Posterior Interventricular Artery

The Posterior Interventricular Artery (PIA), also known as the posterior descending artery (PDA), is a significant blood vessel of the heart. It is responsible for supplying blood to the posterior part of the interventricular septum and the posterior walls of the ventricles.

Anatomy

The PIA typically arises from the right coronary artery (RCA) in about 85% of individuals, a pattern known as "right-dominant" coronary circulation. In the remaining 15% of individuals, the PIA arises from the circumflex artery (a branch of the left coronary artery), a pattern known as "left-dominant" coronary circulation.

The artery travels down the posterior part of the interventricular sulcus, towards the apex of the heart, supplying blood to the posterior one-third of the interventricular septum and the posterior walls of both ventricles.

Clinical Significance

Blockage of the PIA, often due to coronary artery disease, can lead to a type of myocardial infarction (heart attack) known as a posterior wall MI. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Diagnosis is typically by electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests. Treatment is often with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

See Also

• Coronary arteries
• Heart
• Myocardial infarction