A heart attack, technically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs because a portion of the heart muscle is deprived of sufficient blood supply. The longer this blood deprivation lasts without intervention, the more severe the damage to the heart muscle.
Understanding Heart Attacks
To fully grasp why heart attacks happen, let's break down the process:
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Blood Supply is Crucial: The heart muscle, like any other muscle in the body, needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function correctly. This blood is delivered via the coronary arteries.
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Blockage is the Culprit: The primary reason for this blood deprivation is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. According to the reference from 24-Oct-2024, Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main cause of heart attack.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Explained
CAD, the leading cause of heart attacks, develops over time:
- Plaque Formation: Fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate inside the coronary arteries.
- Artery Narrowing: These plaques cause the arteries to narrow, restricting blood flow.
- Clot Formation: A plaque can rupture, leading to the formation of a blood clot.
- Complete Blockage: The blood clot can completely block the artery, cutting off the blood supply to part of the heart muscle.
Consequences of Blockage
- Myocardial Infarction: When a part of the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood, it begins to die. This is a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
- Time is Critical: The extent of the damage depends on how quickly blood flow is restored. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize heart muscle damage.
Table: Heart Attack Causes and Effects
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Blockage of coronary artery | Insufficient blood to heart muscle |
| Prolonged blood deprivation | Damage and potential death of heart muscle cells |
