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Obstruction of coronary arteries leads to an arteriogenic response. Pre-existent collateral networks enlarge, forming large conductance arteries with the capability to compensate for the loss of perfusion due to the occlusion. Interestingly, significant differences exist between patients regarding the capacity to develop such a collateral circulation. This heterogeneity in arteriogenic response is also found between and even within animal species and it strongly suggests that next to environmental factors, innate genetic factors play a key role. The present review focuses on this heterogeneity of genetic as well as non-genetic determinants of the coronary collateral circulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Coronary Blood Flow"., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)