The Science of a Heart Attack

The Science of a Heart Attack

Myocardial infarction, also known as heart attack, is a disease in which blood supply to the heart is restricted, thereby denying the heart tissues oxygen supply and leading to their death. The most frequent cause is the formation of plaque within the arteries that supply the heart, or atherosclerosis.

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This plaque is made of cholesterol, fat and other material; becomes unstable and frays at the edges; and may burst — causing a blood clot. If the clot is total than the muscle of the heart downstream starts deteriorating due to lack of blood supply.

High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity raises the risk of developing it. Some of the common signs might be chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or discomfort in the arms or jaw. In addition, there are a number of medical interventions such as the use of clot dissolving drugs or surgery should be sought. Life-style control, proper diet, exercise and, challenges such as stress greatly help in the reduction of heart attack.