Causes Of Myocardial Infarction Explained

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked, leading to tissue damage. Understanding the underlying causes can help in preventing this life-threatening condition.

Coronary Artery Thrombosis

Coronary artery thrombosis is the most common cause of heart attacks. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a coronary artery, usually due to the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. When this happens, the blood flow to the heart muscle is interrupted, potentially causing extensive damage. For example, if the left anterior descending artery becomes blocked, it can lead to an anterior wall myocardial infarction, which affects a large portion of the heart.

Embolism From Distant Clots

Atrial Fibrillation And Blood Clots

Another cause of myocardial infarction is embolism, where a blood clot forms in one part of the body and travels through the bloodstream until it lodges in a coronary artery. This is commonly seen in patients with atrial fibrillation, where blood clots can form in the heart's upper chambers and dislodge, potentially blocking a coronary artery and triggering a heart attack.

Abnormal Cell Accumulation

In rare cases, leukemia patients may experience myocardial infarction due to the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells in the bloodstream. These cells can form clusters that obstruct blood flow in the coronary arteries, leading to heart muscle damage.

Complications From Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis can also lead to heart attacks. In this condition, infected growths known as vegetations can break off from heart valves and travel to the coronary arteries, causing blockages and impairing blood supply to the heart muscle.

Other Contributing Factors

Severe infections or shock-related conditions can place extreme stress on the cardiovascular system. When the heart is overburdened due to low blood pressure or inadequate oxygen supply, it may result in localized heart muscle death, mimicking the symptoms of a heart attack.