Heart Attack Causes Explained

Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, primarily occur due to the narrowing or complete blockage of the coronary arteries. This obstruction prevents proper blood flow to the heart muscle, depriving it of essential oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this lack of nourishment can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue. In medical terms, a heart attack is often classified as a severe form of coronary artery disease.

Understanding the Main Causes

The most common cause of heart attacks is the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques inside the arteries. These plaques, made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances, can build up over time and become unstable. When a plaque ruptures, it triggers the formation of a blood clot, which can partially or completely block blood flow through the artery. If this happens near the heart, it can result in a heart attack.

Key Risk Factors

Several lifestyle-related and medical conditions significantly increase the risk of heart attacks. These include the well-known "three highs": high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Each of these conditions contributes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, making plaque rupture more likely.

Over time, these risk factors can damage the inner lining of arteries, accelerate plaque buildup, and increase inflammation in the body. Without proper management, this chronic stress on the cardiovascular system can ultimately lead to life-threatening events like heart attacks.