What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a part of the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. When this happens, the affected area of the heart can become damaged or die, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
What Causes a Heart Attack?
The most common cause of a heart attack is the buildup of plaque in the arteries of the heart. This buildup is known as atherosclerosis. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque can narrow and harden the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow. This can cause a heart attack when a clot forms in one of the narrowed arteries, blocking the blood flow to the heart.
Other causes of a heart attack include coronary artery spasm, an abnormal heart rhythm, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Risk Factors for Heart Attack
There are many risk factors for heart attack, including age, gender, family history, smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, and high cholesterol. It is important to note that not all risk factors are within your control. However, you can reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes and working closely with your doctor.
Preventing a Heart Attack
The best way to prevent a heart attack is to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk factors. These changes include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Additionally, it is important to manage any pre-existing medical conditions and take your medications as prescribed.
