Science Behind Heart Attacks- Causes and Symptoms

February 20, 2024

The human heart is an amazing organ that delivers oxygen and blood throughout the body and takes carbon dioxide back to the lungs to get rid of it. Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the supply of blood is blocked to a particular part of the heart muscle. It results in damage or mostly death of tissues.

Myocardial Infarction or heart attacks may be silent or go undetected. This is a serious situation that can result in cardiac arrest or sudden death. Let’s explore the causes and symptoms of heart attacks so that life can be saved in case of emergency.

What Are The Main Causes of Heart Attacks?

 

There are many causes of heart attacks like atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, blood clots, etc. We have mentioned the most common reasons below-

  • Atherosclerosis

Most heart attacks are caused by atherosclerosis, which is a condition of the build-up of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances on the walls of arteries.  As the time passes, these deposits can lead to blood clots.

  • Blood Clots

Blood clots play a vital role in heart attacks. Once the fatty deposit ruptures, it is exposed to the artery wall which results in forming the clot. However, if the clot is large enough, it can block the flow of blood ending up in a heart attack. 

  • Coronary Artery Disease

CAD is the most common root cause of heart attacks. Coronary Artery is responsible for supplying oxygen to the heart. Heart attacks take place when this artery becomes narrow or blocked and stops the supply of oxygen and nutrients. 

  • Factor Causing Heart Attacks

Several factors can lead to heart attacks. These factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle. Genetics also plays a crucial role in heart attacks.

 

Symptoms of Heart Attacks

We have listed a few symptoms of heart attacks below-

  • Chest Discomfort

The most common symptom is pain in the chest that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or sharp pain.

  • Shortness of Breath

If you are experiencing shortness of breath with a sense of anxiety, you may be having a heart attack. 

  • Fatigue

Fatigue that can’t be explained or may be at an extreme level, accompanied by the above symptoms can lead to a heart attack.

  • Women’s Symptoms

In case of heart attack, women may experience atypical symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or jaw pain without experiencing chest pain. 

What to do When You Experience a Heart Attack?

In the world where heart attacks are most common, Sohana Hospital is north India’s best heart hospital with highly experienced cardiologists and cutting-edge technology to deal with heart attacks. So if you think you are experiencing heart attacks, contact India’s leading heart hospital in Sohana.

Sohana Cancer Research Institute