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Heart attacks are often thought of as a sudden,
pressure-like chest pain that takes a person by complete surprise. But heart
attacks can have early warning signs, and often result from heart disease that builds
up over time. A key to preventing a heart attack is knowing the risk factors
that can lead to heart disease. A key to surviving a heart attack is knowing its
early warning signs.
What causes heart attacks?
The two
main causes of heart attacks are:
- Coronary artery blockage
- Coronary artery disease
What happens during a heart attack?
A
network of blood vessels known as coronary arteries surround the heart muscle
and supply it with blood that is rich in oxygen. The heart muscle needs this
oxygen to function.
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes suddenly blocked,
stopping the flow of blood to the heart muscle and damaging it. All or part of
the heart muscle becomes cut off from its oxygen supply. Left without oxygen,
the heart muscle is injured.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease (also known as atherosclerosis, or hardening of the
arteries) occurs when fatty deposits build up within the artery walls. Over time, the fatty deposits harden, narrowing the passageway inside the
blood vessel. The narrowed artery limits or pinches off the flow of blood to the
heart muscle.
The rough, hardened surface of the artery also encourages small
blood clots to form. Most heart attacks result when a blood clot forms in a narrowed artery. The
blood clot blocks the artery and prevents blood from reaching part of the heart
muscle.
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