A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked, typically due to a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. The process unfolds as follows:
The Buildup: Plaque Formation
- Over time, fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits accumulate inside the heart's arteries.
- These deposits form plaques, which can narrow the arteries.
The Blockage: Plaque Rupture and Clot Formation
- If a plaque ruptures, it exposes the inner lining of the artery.
- This triggers the formation of a blood clot.
The Result: Heart Attack
- The blood clot can completely block the artery.
- This blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the heart muscle.
- The lack of oxygen causes damage to the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack.
In summary, a heart attack occurs when an artery that sends blood and oxygen to the heart is blocked (as stated in the reference). This blockage is usually the result of plaque rupture and subsequent blood clot formation in the coronary arteries.
