What are Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Myocardial Infarction?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrow or blocked. This can lead to a heart attack called myocardial infarction. Understanding why these conditions occur is important for prevention and treatment.

What causes Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

The main cause of CAD is the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques inside the coronary arteries. These plaques are made up of cholesterol and other substances. Certain factors increase the risk of developing CAD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, being overweight, not being physically active, having a family history of heart disease, and getting older.

CAD develops over time due to a process called atherosclerosis. It starts with damage to the inner lining of the arteries. This damage can be caused by smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. When the lining is damaged, it becomes inflamed, allowing fats like cholesterol to enter the artery walls.

As these fats accumulate, immune cells called macrophages try to clean them up. But instead of being cleared away, the immune cells become trapped, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can grow and harden, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to the heart.

What happens during a heart attack?

A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when a coronary artery is completely blocked by a blood clot. This clot forms when a plaque ruptures or breaks open. When the artery is blocked, blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is cut off, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.

Without enough oxygen, the heart muscle cells start to die. The severity of the heart attack depends on how much of the heart muscle is affected and how quickly medical help is received.

During a heart attack, a person may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.

Understanding the causes and processes behind CAD and heart attacks helps doctors and individuals take steps to prevent or manage these conditions. Managing risk factors along with making lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing CAD and having a heart attack.

Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are also crucial for monitoring and managing these conditions effectively.