https://www.naturalnews.com/2025-11-15-tech-natural-medicine-lifestyle-changes-combat-heart-disease.html

What are the top 10 causes of heart attack?
Okay, here are the top 10 causes and contributing factors to heart attacks, presented in a way that's easy to understand:

**Important Note:** Heart attacks are complex, and often a combination of these factors is at play. This list is not in a strict numerical order of prevalence because the relative importance can vary from person to person.

1. **Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):** This is the *most common* underlying cause. CAD is a condition where plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle). This plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. The plaque can rupture or break open, forming a blood clot that completely blocks the artery, leading to a heart attack.

2. **High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):** High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and arteries. Over time, this can damage the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup and rupture. It also makes the heart work harder, increasing its oxygen demand.

3. **High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia):** High levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) contribute directly to the formation of plaque in the arteries. Low levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) can also contribute, as HDL helps remove cholesterol from the arteries.

4. **Smoking:** Smoking damages the lining of the arteries, making them more prone to plaque buildup. It also increases blood pressure, reduces oxygen supply to the heart, increases heart rate, and makes blood more likely to clot.

5. **Diabetes:** Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) significantly increases the risk of heart disease. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, including the coronary arteries. People with diabetes often have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

6. **Obesity and Overweight:** Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, is linked to higher blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes), and inflammation – all of which increase the risk of heart disease.

7. **Lack of Physical Activity (Sedentary Lifestyle):** Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, control weight, and improve insulin sensitivity. A lack of exercise contributes to many other risk factors.

8. **Unhealthy Diet:** A diet high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars can raise blood pressure, increase cholesterol levels, contribute to weight gain, and increase the risk of diabetes.

9. **Stress:** Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and contribute to unhealthy behaviors like overeating, smoking, and lack of exercise. While acute stress can be a trigger, it's more often the long-term effects of poorly managed chronic stress that contribute.

10. **Age, Family History, and Genetics:** These are non-modifiable risk factors. The risk of heart attack increases with age. Having a family history of early heart disease (heart attack or stroke before age 55 in a male relative or before age 65 in a female relative) increases your own risk. Genetics can influence cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other factors that contribute to heart disease. While you can't change your genes, knowing your family history can help you take proactive steps to manage other risk factors.

**Important Considerations:**

* **Plaque Rupture and Thrombosis:** A heart attack usually occurs when a plaque in a coronary artery ruptures, triggering the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) that blocks blood flow.
* **Spasm:** In some cases, a heart attack can be caused by a spasm of a coronary artery, even without significant plaque buildup (Prinzmetal's angina or variant angina). This is less common.
* **Substance Abuse:** Cocaine and other stimulant drugs can cause coronary artery spasm and heart attacks.
* **Underlying Medical Conditions:** Certain autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and infections can increase the risk of heart disease.
* **Air Pollution:** Some studies have linked exposure to air pollution with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack.

**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. They can assess your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate preventive measures.