right marginal artery

The right marginal artery is a branch of the right coronary artery. It follows the acute (right) margin of the heart along its inferior border, running toward the cardiac apex. It is one of the larger branches of the right coronary artery and is involved in supplying blood to the anterior wall of the right ventricle.

The right marginal artery is located on the right side of the heart, coursing along the acute margin—the sharp inferior-right border that separates the anterior from the inferior (diaphragmatic) surface of the heart. It originates from the right coronary artery in the right atrioventricular groove and travels toward the cardiac apex.

The right marginal artery is involved in supplying oxygenated blood to the anterior wall and the free wall of the right ventricle. By perfusing the myocardium along the acute margin of the heart, it supports the contractile function of the right ventricle, which is responsible for pumping blood into the pulmonary circulation.

Atherosclerosis is the most common condition associated with compromise of the right marginal artery. Stenosis or occlusion of this vessel may be involved in right ventricular ischemia or infarction. It may also be affected by coronary artery spasm or embolism. Its occlusion is sometimes associated with inferior-pattern myocardial infarction findings.

The right marginal artery is evaluated using coronary angiography, which provides direct visualization of its origin, caliber, and flow. CT coronary angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive alternative that can also assess the vessel. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings may indirectly suggest involvement of the territory supplied by this artery.