coronary thrombosis

a sudden blockage of one of the coronary arteries by a BLOOD CLOT or THROMBUS that interrupts the blood supply to the heart. The victim collapses with severe and agonizing chest pain, often accompained by vomiting and nausea. The skin becomes pale and clammy, the temperature rises and there is difficulty in breathing. Coronary thrombosis generally results from ATHEROMA , and the part of the heart muscle that has its blood supply disrupted dies, a condition known as MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION . Treatment consists of giving strong pain - relieving drugs, e.g. morphine. Specialist care in a coronary care unit is also usually required to deal with ARRHYTHMIA , heart failure and CARDIAC ARREST , which are the potentially fatal results of coronary thrombosis.