How can atherosclerosis lead to a heart attack?

Atherosclerosis leads to a heart attack primarily through the obstruction of blood flow to the heart muscle. The process begins when the inner layer of an artery is injured, leading to the accumulation of cholesterol, fats, and debris, which form a fatty plaque known as an atheroma.12

This plaque can cause a heart attack in two main ways:

• Gradual Blockage: As the plaque grows, it narrows the arterial lumen, restricting the blood supply to the heart. If the heart is forced to work harder, these narrowed arteries may be unable to provide sufficient oxygen, leading to angina pectoris or, if the flow is severely restricted, a myocardial infarction (heart attack).12
• Sudden Rupture: Life-threatening events often occur when a plaque ruptures. This rupture releases chemicals that trigger the formation of a blood clot at the site. This clot can suddenly and completely block blood flow to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.1

While atherosclerosis is a progressive condition often associated with the aging process, its severity is influenced by factors such as diet, hypertension, and smoking.12