What Causes Heart Attacks?
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or completely blocked. This blockage most commonly stems from coronary artery disease (CAD). In less frequent cases, a sudden and severe spasm in a coronary artery can also cause a heart attack by interrupting blood flow.
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart attacks. It develops when plaque (a buildup of cholesterol and other substances) restricts blood flow in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This narrowing can eventually lead to a complete blockage, triggering a heart attack.
- Risk Factors for CAD: Many factors contribute to CAD development, including unhealthy lifestyle habits like a diet high in saturated fat and sodium, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, some medical conditions and genetic predispositions also elevate the risk.
Other Less Common Causes
While CAD is the primary cause, a sudden and severe spasm (contraction) of a coronary artery can also abruptly cut off blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to a heart attack even in individuals without significant underlying CAD.
Symptoms: Recognizing the Warning Signs
It's crucial to know the potential warning signs. While some heart attacks occur suddenly, many people experience warning signs hours, days, or even weeks beforehand. Common symptoms include:
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Chest pain or discomfort (angina) – this may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
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Shortness of breath
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Pain in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulders
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Feeling nauseous or lightheaded
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Note: Women may experience different symptoms than men. They might experience less chest pain and more back, jaw, or abdominal discomfort.
Prevention and Management
Managing risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical intervention is vital in preventing heart attacks. This includes:
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption
- Managing underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
- Following prescribed medication regimens.
The information provided here is based on the cited sources, including Mayo Clinic, CDC, Cleveland Clinic, NHS, American Heart Association, NHLBI, NIH, WebMD, and the World Health Organization. These sources highlight the critical role of coronary artery disease and its risk factors in heart attacks, alongside the less common cause of coronary artery spasm.
