A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked. This usually happens due to a buildup of plaque (a deposit of cholesterol and other substances) in the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
When a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, the area of heart muscle supplied by that artery starts to die from lack of oxygen. This can cause severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
The main reasons for plaque buildup in the arteries include:
1. High levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood 2. High blood pressure
3. Smoking 4. Diabetes 5. Obesity
6. Lack of physical activity 7. Unhealthy diet
If a heart attack is not treated promptly, it can lead to permanent damage to the heart muscle and potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt treatment, such as clot-busting medications or procedures to open the blocked artery, can help restore blood flow and prevent or limit damage to the heart.
