What are the 4 arteries of the heart?

The Four Arteries That Keep Your Heart Beating

Your heart may be strong, but it needs its own supply of oxygen-rich blood to keep pumping. That lifeline comes from four key arteries wrapped around the heart’s surface—often called the coronary arteries. These vessels are small but mighty, delivering vital nutrients to the heart muscle with every beat.

The right coronary artery services the right side of the heart and part of the back of the heart, including the sinus node in many people—the natural pacemaker. On the left side, blood flows into the left main coronary artery, which quickly splits into two major branches. One is the left anterior descending artery, running down the front of the heart, supplying a large portion of the left ventricle—the main pumping chamber. The other, the left circumflex artery, wraps around the side of the heart, feeding the left atrium and the back of the left ventricle.

When any of these arteries become narrowed or blocked—often due to plaque buildup—it can starve the heart of oxygen. This is what leads to angina, heart attacks, and over time, heart failure. Because each of these arteries plays a critical role, damage to even one can have serious consequences.

Understanding these four arteries isn’t just for doctors. Recognizing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue can be lifesaving. After all, the heart works hard for us—knowing how it stays healthy is one way we can give back.