Cardiac ischemia is usually a temporary situation in which the heart does not get enough oxygen. The term collaterals should not be confused with the growth of the heart s coronary arteries or the aorta.
Collaterals are smaller branches of blood vessels.
These new blood vessels bring more oxygen-rich blood to the heart, relieving cardiac ischemia. Researchers are attempting to medically coax the body to produce new blood vessels through its own natural response of angiogenesis. This treatment is called therapeutic angiogenesis. Inc. All rights reserved. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.