What is primarily affected by a coronary artery anomaly?

A coronary artery anomaly primarily affects the coronary arteries themselves, which are crucial for supplying blood to the heart muscle. These abnormalities can include variations in the origin, structure, or pathways of the coronary arteries that may lead to issues such as reduced blood flow, ischemia, or increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). Understanding coronary artery anomalies is essential, as they can significantly influence the cardiovascular health of an individual and might be implicated in various clinical scenarios, particularly in younger patients with unexplained cardiac symptoms or sudden cardiac death.

The other options, while related to heart function and anatomy, do not directly pertain to the effects of a coronary artery anomaly. Pulmonary function, the heart valves, and the aorta are separate entities within the cardiovascular system that may not be directly impacted in the same way as the coronary arteries are by anomalies.