Heart Attack: Basics

What is a Heart Attack?

Heart attack refers to the sudden cessation of blood supply to the heart causing severe damage to the heart. As the heart is one of the most important organs, damage to the heart can lead to immediate death.

The reason for the cessation of blood supply to the heart is the formation of a blockage in the blood vessels of the heart. This happens in people with the pre-existing diseases of the heart's blood vessels known as coronary artery disease.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

C.A.D. or coronary artery disease, is the condition of long-standing damage to the heart's blood vessels, manifesting as narrowing of the coronary arteries and occlusion of the blood flow within coronary arteries.

In a patient of C.A.D., when there is sudden activation of inflammation in the blood vessels, it results in the complete blockage of blood flow to heart resulting in a heart attack.

About the author: Dr. Naval Asija is a licensed MBBS Physician from India. MBBS is the equivalent of the MD degree offered by international medical schools. He is based in Delhi, India, and works as a medical writer, editor, and consultant. He supports medical researches as an author's editor, medical communication companies involved in medico-marketing activities, and medical technology companies in improving their products. He can be contacted via his LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navalasija/

Disclaimer: The content provided here is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. If you consider taking any action based on the above information, we recommend that it should be first confirmed with your doctor. Our detailed disclaimer statement can be read at our homepage