Heart Attacks Are Caused by Lack of Blood Flow
A heart attack is caused by lack of blood flow to the heart. Blood flow becomes limited when there is a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits/atherosclerosis) in the coronary arteries. The process starts in our teens and progresses with age. Over time, the normally smooth arteries become "sticky" and narrow, known as coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary artery disease causes a heart attack. When fatty plaque grows, clots form around the plaque and can either block the blood flow, or tear away and travel, causing a heart attack. Without blood flow, the heart muscle starts to "cramp," causing the pain, pressure or discomfort of a heart attack.
Spasms Can Block Blood Flow to the Heart
Spasm of the coronary artery can also limit blood flow to the heart and cause heart attack. Coronary artery spasm can occur at rest; in the absence of known heart disease. Causes of heart attack from coronary artery spasm include illicit drug use, extreme emotional upset, tobacco use, high cholesterol and hypertension.
Treating the Cause of Heart Attack
The arteries that carry blood to the heart are called coronary arteries. When the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, the heart cells die. The amount of damage that occurs during a heart attack depends on how much time the heart is without oxygen, making rapid treatment to restore blood flow a priority. Clot busting medications, insertion of stents, and angioplasty are procedures used to prevent further damage and prevent mortality from a heart attack. In some cases, coronary artery bypass (CABG), must be performed to remove blocked blood vessels and restore blood flow to the heart. Treatment of risk factors can reduce progression of coronary artery disease that causes heart attacks. The most common causes that lead to heart attack include high cholesterol, obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
