Causes of heart attack
As a result of coronary artery disease (CAD) most heart attacks occur. CAD is the buildup over time of a material called plaque on the internal walls of the coronary arteries. Causing a blood clot to form at the site ultimately, a section of plaque can break open, The main cause why a heart attack occurs if the clot becomes large enough to cut off most or all of the blood flow through the artery. The sterile blood flow prevents oxygen-rich blood from getting the part of the heart muscle fed by the artery. The lack of oxygen damage the heart muscle. The damaged heart muscle begins to die. if the blockage isn’t treated quickly,
With the very small, microscopic blood vessels of the heart, heart attack also can occur due to these problems. This condition is called microvascular disease. In women it’s believed to be more common than in men.
A severe spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery that cuts off blood flow through the artery Another less common cause of heart attack . These spasms can occur in coronary arteries that don’t have CAD. It’s not always clear what causes a coronary artery spasm, but sometimes it can be related to:
• Exposure to extreme cold
• Emotional stress or pain
• Cigarette smoking
• Taking certain drugs, such as cocaine
