Atherosclerosis:
This is the most important cause of heart attack. Over the years, cholesterol, fat, and other debris build up on the inner walls of blood vessels, forming a blockage called ‘plaque’. If this plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms in that area, blood flow will be completely stopped.
Blood Clot:
When plaque ruptures in the arteries, the body thinks it is an injury and tries to form a blood clot. This clot suddenly closes the blood vessel to the heart. This causes an ‘acute heart attack’.
Sudden narrowing of the arteries (Coronary Artery Spasm):
Drug use, excessive stress, or certain medications can cause the coronary arteries to suddenly narrow (spasm). This temporarily blocks blood flow.
High Blood Pressure:
High BP damages the inner walls of the blood vessels. This creates an environment for cholesterol to easily accumulate.
Risk Factors That Increase the Risk of Heart Attack:
Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots.
Diabetes: Blood vessels are damaged when blood sugar levels increase.
Excessive stress: Mental stress increases the heart rate and increases blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart.
Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and being overweight have a detrimental effect on heart health.
To recognize a heart attack:
The main symptoms are a feeling of heaviness in the chest, pain spreading to the left shoulder or jaw, shortness of breath, and excessive sweating. If you experience symptoms, take them to the hospital immediately.
