THE CORONARY CIRCULATION

Abstract

Experimental ligation of the coronary arteries¹ and observations on man following the occlusion of these vessels² have demonstrated that the heart is extremely sensitive to a reduction in its blood supply. It would seem that a knowledge of the factors concerned in the regulation of the coronary circulation is important for a better understanding of impaired cardiac function. It is possible that a further study of this subject may furnish an explanation for the cause of cardiac failure in certain instances which are at present obscure and may perhaps suggest a more satisfactory means of treatment. The present report is concerned with studies of certain features of the coronary circulation in which the author has been interested during the last three years. INFLUENCE OF THE VAGI AND SYMPATHETIC NERVES ON THE CORONARY ARTERIES The action of the vagi and sympathetic nerves on the coronary arteries has been more extensively investigated