About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 21, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
2
...

Heart Attack (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:

Heart Attack Causes

Over time, plaque can build up along the course of an artery and narrow the channel through which blood flows. Plaque is made up of cholesterol buildup and eventually may calcify or harden, with calcium deposits. If the artery becomes too narrow, it cannot supply enough blood to the heart muscle when it becomes stressed. Just like arm muscles that begin to ache or hurt when heavy things are lifted, or legs that ache when you run too fast; the heart muscle will ache if it doesn't get adequate blood supply. This ache or pain is called angina. It is important to know that angina can manifest in many different ways and does not always need to be experienced as chest pain.

If the plaque ruptures, a small blood clot can form within the blood vessel, acting like a dam and acutely blocking the blood flow beyond the clot. When that part of the heart loses its blood supply completely, the muscle dies. This is called a heart attack, or an MI - a myocardial infarction (myo=muscle +cardial=heart; infarction=death due to lack of oxygen).

Picture of Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Must Read Articles Related to Heart Attack

Angina
Angina Pectoris Angina pectoris is a term to describe chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood. There are two types of angina, stable (the most common)...learn more >>
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States. Every day, more than 2600 Americans die from cardiovascular disease, which amounts to 1 death every 3...learn more >>
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States. Each year, almost half a million Americans die from a heart attack. Half of these, or one quarter of ...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Heart attack - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of heart attack can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

Heart Attack - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatment did you undergo after your heart attack?

Heart Health

Get the latest treatment options.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Myocardial Infarction »

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the irreversible necrosis of heart muscle secondary to prolonged ischemia.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies