Understanding the root causes and triggers of heart attacks is important in preventing and managing heart conditions.
The common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.[Source:heart.org]
Coronary Artery Disease
CAD occurs due to the buildup of plaque, a waxy substance made up of cholesterol and other materials that accumulate on the walls of the arteries.[Source:heart.org]
Reason for CAD
High blood pressure is another common cause of heart attacks. When blood pressure is consistently high, it damages the walls of the arteries, making them prone to the buildup of plaque.[Source:heart.org]
High Blood Pressure
Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, as it damages the lining of the arteries and leads to the buildup of plaque. In addition, smoking also contributes to high blood pressure and cholesterol.[Source:cdc.gov]
Smoking
High levels of cholesterol in the blood contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries as cholesterol accumulates on the walls of the arteries, narrows the arteries, and restricts blood flow.[Source:heart.org]
High Cholesterol
Diabetes affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin and increases the risk of heart attacks, as high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and lead to the buildup of plaque.[Source:www.niddk.nih.gov]
Diabetes
Being overweight or obese leads to the development of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart attacks.[Source:niddk.nih.gov]
Obesity
If you have a family history of heart disease you are at a higher risk of heart attacks, as there may be genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.[Source:cdc.gov]
Family History
Heart attacks are common in older adults, particularly men. Women are more likely to have heart attacks later in life, typically after menopause.[Source:ncbi.nlm.nih]
Age and Gender
Lack of regular physical activity contributes to the development of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, all of which are risk factors for heart attacks.[Source:heart.org]
Physical Inactivity
Chronic stress leads to an increased risk of heart attacks, as it raises blood pressure and contributes to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or overeating.[Source:heart.org]
Stress
Certain drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, increase the risk of heart attacks by causing the heart to work harder and increasing the likelihood of heart rhythm problems. [Source:heart.org]
Illegal Drug Use
The important step in preventing heart attack is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage any underlying health conditions.