What is the cause of a Heart Attack? How can you avoid it with your Lifestyle

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• May 31, 2023 | Kabir Chakraborty

The accumulation of fatty deposits called plaques on the inner walls of the coronary arteries is one of the most common causes of CAD and heart attacks.

Digital Desk: A heart attack
happens when blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle is obstructed. A clot
developed within one of the coronary arteries frequently causes this occlusion.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of heart attacks. It is
distinguished by the accumulation of plaque within the coronary arteries.

Several factors contribute
to the development of CAD and increase the risk of heart attacks, these
primarily include:

1. Atherosclerosis: The
accumulation of fatty deposits called plaques on the inner walls of the
coronary arteries is one of the most common causes of CAD and heart attacks.
These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other elements.
They can harden and narrow the arteries over time, reducing blood flow to the
heart.

2. Coronary Artery Spasm:
The coronary arteries may spasm in some situations, causing them to tighten and
limit blood flow to the heart. This spasm, which might be brief or permanent,
can result in a heart attack.

3. Blood Clots: When a
plaque ruptures or breaks open, it can cause a blood clot to form at the site
of the rupture. If the clot grows sufficiently large, it can totally block
blood flow via the coronary artery, resulting in a heart attack.

 Major risk factors

Risk Factors: Certain
factors increase the likelihood of developing CAD and experiencing a heart
attack. These include:

1. Age: The risk of a heart
attack rises with age, especially in men over 45 and women over 55.

2. Gender: Men are more
likely than premenopausal women to have a heart attack. However, the risk
increases in women after menopause, so balancing the risk between the sexes.

3. Family History of Heart
Disease or Heart Attacks: Having a family history of heart disease or heart
attacks raises the risk.

4. Hypertension:
Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the arteries and raise the risk of CAD.

5. High Cholesterol Levels:
High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, sometimes known as
"bad" cholesterol, contribute to plaque formation.

6. Smoking: Smoking causes
blood vessel damage, lowers oxygen levels, and raises the risk of blood clot
formation.

7. Obesity: Excess body
weight, especially around the waist, has been linked to CAD and heart attacks.

8. Diabetes: People with
diabetes are more likely to develop CAD because high blood sugar levels damage
blood vessels.

9. Sedentary Lifestyle: A
sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity can increase the risk of
heart attack.

It is crucial to emphasize
that, while these factors enhance the risk, heart attacks can occur in people
who have no obvious risk factors. Seeking medical assistance as soon as possible
and leading a healthy lifestyle can dramatically minimize the risk of having a
heart attack.