In the body, the heart is the primary muscle of the cardiovascular system. Its job is to pump blood through the body. The blood supply is carried by the coronary arteries which deliver nutrients and oxygen to other vital areas in order to keep the body functioning properly. Red blood cells provide the oxygen while White blood cells fight against infections.
In the body of a healthy person, the artery walls are smooth and uniform in thickness. However, as time passes this can change. High levels of cholesterol can circulate causing fatty deposits or plaque to accumulate on the interior walls of the arteries.
This plaque buildup begins to accumulate and eventually hardens, narrowing the artery and causing it to be less flexible than it once was. This condition is known as atherosclerosis and is the main cause of CAD or Coronary Artery Disease.
When these fatty deposits block blood flow to the heart, a heart attack becomes a risk. If the coronary artery is blocked 90% or more, the risk for a heart attack event becomes even greater. Finally, if the coronary artery is completely blocked, a heart attack is eminent.
The development of a blood clot can also increase the risk for a heart attack. It is common for a crack to develop at the site of the plaque buildup. Blood can coagulate, or clump, at the site of the crack forming a blood clot. This blood clot, or thrombus, can grow to totally block blood flow and cause a myocardial infarction.
The extent of damage the heart acquires during an attack depends largely on the location of the blockage and the speed of obtaining medical treatment. The longer it takes to get help the more extensive the heart damage. Fortunately, atherosclerosis can be prevented, thus lowering the risk of having a heart attack.
The disease process can be slowed in progression by simple lifestyle changes. For example, losing excess weight, quitting smoking, starting a low fat, low cholesterol diet and regular exercise. These simple tasks can lower your risk for this disease.
Taking the time to educate yourself on the risk factors and methods of prevention for heart disease is imperative. However, this is sometimes difficult in today's fast-paced world. Therefore, our bodies are our responsibility, so we must make the effort to protect our greatest gift.
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