What is a heart attack?

A sudden and sometimes fatal occurrence of coronary thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle. ~ Oxford dictionary

The heart muscle requires oxygen to survive. When oxygenated blood flow to the heart muscle is cut off or severely reduced a heart attack occurs. Blood flow can be cut off or severely reduced by the build-up of arterial plaque. This build up eventually causes arteries to narrow and potentially close completely. This is a slow process known as atherosclerosis.

As plaque builds up it can eventually rupture or break open inside the artery, causing a blood clot to form. If the blood clot becomes large enough, it can reduce or completely block the flow of oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle.

Ischemia is when the heart becomes deprived of needed oxygen and nutrients. If blood flow to the heart is not quickly restored, ischemia will damage or cause the death of part of the heart muscle. This is a heart attack and the healthy heart muscle tissue becomes replaced with scar tissue.
Continue reading →