What Causes a Heart Attack and How Can You Prevent One?
What Causes a Heart Attack and How Can You Prevent One?
Understanding the Cause
Knowing what causes heart attacks can help in preventing them. Let's explore the common and lesser-known causes.
Contents
- Common Causes
- Other Contributing Factors
- Type 2 Heart Attack Causes
Common Causes
The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease, where plaque buildup narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart. Plaque can rupture, forming a blood clot that blocks the flow completely. This blockage can lead to a heart attack if not treated promptly.
Other Contributing Factors
Stress, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are significant risk factors contributing to heart attacks. These factors can damage arteries, making them vulnerable to blockages. A healthy lifestyle is crucial in reducing these risks.
Type 2 Heart Attack Causes
Type 2 heart attacks are caused by an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand in the heart, often without a blockage. Conditions like severe anemia, arrhythmias, or sepsis can lead to this type of heart attack. It's less common but still a serious medical condition.
FAQs
What is the main cause of heart attacks?
Coronary artery disease is the main cause.
Can stress cause a heart attack?
Yes, stress is a significant risk factor.
What are type 2 heart attacks?
They are caused by an oxygen supply-demand mismatch.
How can lifestyle changes help?
They can reduce risk factors like stress and cholesterol.
Why It Matters
Understanding causes leads to better prevention strategies.
Additional References
- Anderson JL, Morrow DA. Acute Myocardial Infarction. N Engl J Med 2017; 376:2053.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.