Atherosclerotic obstruction is least likely to occur in which artery?

Atherosclerotic obstruction is least likely to occur in which artery?

• A. LAD
• B. LCX
• C. RCA
• D. PDA

Answer: (D)

Atherosclerotic disease in the coronary system most often targets the proximal segments of the major epicardial arteries, where high flow and turbulent shear stress promote plaque formation. The proximal left anterior descending artery is a classic, frequent site of significant atherosclerosis, and the right coronary artery and the left circumflex artery also commonly harbor plaques in their proximal portions. The posterior descending artery is a smaller, more distal branch, and distal vessels are less commonly involved by atherosclerotic plaques. Because of its smaller size and distal position, the posterior descending artery is the least likely to develop obstructive atherosclerosis in the typical disease pattern.

Atherosclerotic disease in the coronary system most often targets the proximal segments of the major epicardial arteries, where high flow and turbulent shear stress promote plaque formation. The proximal left anterior descending artery is a classic, frequent site of significant atherosclerosis, and the right coronary artery and the left circumflex artery also commonly harbor plaques in their proximal portions. The posterior descending artery is a smaller, more distal branch, and distal vessels are less commonly involved by atherosclerotic plaques. Because of its smaller size and distal position, the posterior descending artery is the least likely to develop obstructive atherosclerosis in the typical disease pattern.