Why Do Heart Attacks Come?

What Triggers a Heart Attack? Key Signs & Prevention Tips

Myocardial Infarction (MI), or heart attack, is a medical emergency. In this scenario, your heart muscles die due to a lack of blood flow. Immediately call an ambulance if you or someone you know is facing a heart attack. If it is left untreated for long, it may cause death or permanent heart damage. Let us see why this happens.

Hypoxia (Lack of Oxygen)

Lack of oxygen is a rare cause of a heart attack, but a dangerous one. If your heart muscles do not receive enough oxygenated blood, they will stop functioning properly. It can happen due to carbon monoxide poisoning or lung failure, resulting in a heart attack.

Coronary Heart Disease

CHD, or coronary heart disease, is one of the main causes of heart attacks. In this, the main blood vessels in your heart (coronary blood vessels) get blocked. Cholesterol and other substances (called plaques) may cause this blockage.

These plaques burst before a heart attack, causing a blood clot. It can trigger a heart attack.

Other Causes of Heart Attack

Other factors can also cause a heart attack. They are:

SCAD: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, or SCAD, is a condition characterised by a tear in the heart artery. It is a life-threatening condition and can trigger a heart attack.
Coronary Artery Spasm: In this condition, a non-blocked artery gets squeezed very tightly. It is caused by the early hardening of cholesterol plaques in your blood vessels.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack is crucial and can save your life or others. However, the symptoms differ from person to person. They are:

Sweating
Upset stomach
Anxiety
Chest tightness
Squeezing
Chest discomfort
Indigestion
Fullness
Vomiting
Dizziness
Discomfort in your throat, back, jaw or arm
Shortness of breath

On the other hand, people assigned female at birth are more likely to feel:

Trouble sleeping
Lightheadedness
Unusual fatigue
Discomfort in the gut
Indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting

Who is at Risk of a Heart Attack?

Although anyone might get a heart attack, certain factors increase the risk. Let us discuss them below:

Stress: Constant stress releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone reduces the good cholesterol and increases your chances of a stroke.
Smoking: Long-term tobacco use not only harms your lungs but also increases your risk of having a heart attack.
Age: As you age, your chance of a heart attack increases. It is because, with age, your heart muscles become weak. Men older than 45 and women older than 55 are more likely to experience this.
Gender: Men are more likely to have a heart attack than women.
Race: According to numerous studies, Asian people are more likely to experience this.

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of heart attacks. If someone is having a heart attack in front of you, call 102 or 112 for an ambulance. Provide the necessary information, such as the location and the person's condition, to the operator. If the person does not have a pulse, start CPR.