Heart Attack

Heart Attack

A Heart Attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped. This happens because coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly become thicker and harder from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, called plaque. This slow process is known as atherosclerosis. If the plaque breaks open and a blood clot forms that blocks the blood flow, a heart attack occurs. Coronary arteries supply oxygen to the muscles of the heart. 

Fatty deposits called plaque build up in the walls of the coronary arteries. If the plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, the clotting process called thrombosis, starts inside the arteries. 

As thrombosis continues, blood supply to the heart muscles becomes reduced and muscle tissue can start to die.

If the clot completely blocks the coronary artery, all the muscle tissue below the blockage can die.

Dead heart muscle is called myocardial infarction.