What defines a coronary artery anomaly (CAA)?

A coronary artery anomaly (CAA) is fundamentally characterized as a congenital defect in the coronary arteries. This means that the anomaly originates as a part of an individual's development during gestation and is present at birth. Essentially, CAAs can involve the structure, number, or origin of coronary arteries, which can significantly impact blood flow to the heart muscle.

Coronary arteries are crucial as they supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Any alteration or defect in their normal anatomy can lead to various clinical implications, including increased risk of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, or even sudden cardiac events. Recognizing these anomalies is vital for appropriate diagnosis and management in patients, particularly when they experience symptoms related to coronary artery supply.

The other options describe different cardiovascular conditions. For example, defects in heart valves pertain to valvular heart disease, while obstructions of blood flow can relate to a variety of other issues such as atherosclerosis or thrombus formation. The condition leading to high blood pressure refers to hypertension, which is a systemic issue rather than a specific defect in the coronary arteries themselves.