Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Plaque, clots and risk factors behind heart attack. Call 112 or 102 in an emergency.
A heart attack is a medical emergency. If you suspect one, call 112 or 102 now. Do not wait to read further.
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, so that part of the muscle starts to die.
The usual mechanism
Over years, fatty deposits (plaque) build up in the heart arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. When a plaque cracks, a blood clot forms on it and blocks the artery. Less often, an artery goes into spasm or tears (spontaneous coronary artery dissection), or a clot travels from elsewhere.
Risk factors that raise the chance
Triggers
Heavy physical exertion in an unfit person, extreme emotional stress, very heavy meals and sudden exposure to cold can trigger an attack in someone with blocked arteries.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda discusses heart disease under hridroga. This is an interpretive framework and does not replace modern diagnosis.
Key point
Most heart attacks are the result of years of silent artery disease, so the risk factors can be treated long before an attack.
Before your appointment
Bring all your reports, ECGs and medicine strips, and a list of every medicine and supplement you take, including herbal products. Note when symptoms occurred, what brought them on and how long they lasted. Share your family history of heart disease, and your smoking, alcohol, diabetes and blood pressure history. Ask about cardiac rehabilitation and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
Call 112 or 102, angioplasty or clot-dissolving drugs, hospital care and rehab.
STEMI, NSTEMI, unstable angina and less common forms, all needing emergency care.
Hospital and long-term heart medicines, why not to stop them, herbal cautions.
Ayurvedic view of hridroga as an adjunct after medical care, with limited evidence.
ECG, troponin, echocardiogram and angiography, started within minutes of arrival.
No safe home treatment exists. What to do while waiting for the ambulance.
