Coronary blood flow plays a fundamental role in sustaining myocardial function and adapting to the physiological demands of the heart. Its intricate interaction with the coronary arterial structure is increasingly recognized as a key factor in both health and disease. Unlike other vascular beds, coronary flow is predominantly diastolic and is tightly coupled with cardiac contraction, myocardial demand, aortic valve function, and the complex flow dynamics in the aortic root and ostia.

Disruptions in coronary flow, whether due to structural abnormalities, pressure variations, or pathological changes in the aortic valve or myocardium, may influence endothelial behavior, arterial remodeling, and the progression of vascular pathologies.

Recent advances in imaging, modeling, and clinical tools allow for a better investigation of coronary hemodynamics across multiple scales, from flow patterns and vessel geometry to cellular-level mechanobiology. These developments open new opportunities to better understand how altered flow contributes to coronary disease and to identify therapeutic targets.

This Research Topic aims to explore how coronary blood flow affects the structure and function of the coronary arteries across health and disease. We seek to bring together experimental, clinical, and computational research that investigates the interdependence between flow dynamics and vascular remodeling, with a focus on understanding the causes and consequences of abnormal flow patterns. By compiling diverse perspectives, this collection will offer a comprehensive view of the mechanistic pathways linking flow, structure, and pathology, ultimately aiming to inform early diagnostics, prevention, and improved interventions.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that improve our understanding of coronary flow and its implications for coronary structure. Potential areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Fundamental flow characteristics and coronary anatomy
• Flow-derived parameters (e.g., WSS, OSI, PI) and their measurement techniques
• Flow-induced modifications in cellular function: endothelial, smooth muscle, and fibroblast
• Characteristics of coronary flow associated with atherosclerosis, remodeling, tortuosity, and stiffness
• Impact of external factors on coronary flow characteristics and coronary pathology (e.g., hypertension, valve disease, cardiomyopathies)
• Clinical insights into diagnosis, monitoring, and outcomes of coronary interventions

We welcome the submission of various article types to this collection, including original research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, and clinical perspectives. Contributions from basic science, translational, and clinical research are all encouraged.

While submitting an abstract is not mandatory, we recommend that authors share a brief manuscript summary before submission. This will help us provide early feedback and ensure alignment with the scope of the collection.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Coronary Flow and Its Implications on the Structure of the Coronary Artery