Why do they call LAD a widow maker?

Why do they call LAD a widow maker?

LAD total occlusion (Representative image of LAD total occlusion)

LAD (left anterior descending coronary artery) is usually the largest branch of the left main coronary artery which supplies the major portion of the left ventricle. Hence occlusion of LAD (widow maker artery) can cause extensive myocardial infarction (heart attack) which can sometimes be fatal. Hence the term widow maker artery for left anterior descending coronary artery. LAD supplies the front region of the left ventricle known as the anterior wall and the interventricular septum (partition between two ventricles. When the LAD is blocked at its origin, the resulting large anterior wall infarction can produce significant loss of pumping function of the heart. Moreover they are also prone for heart rhythm disturbances early and late in the course, which can cause sudden cardiac death.