• Question: What triggers a heart attack?

    Asked by Mollieeee to Greg, Jen, Laura, Mobeen, Paul on 8 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Laura Haworth

      Laura Haworth answered on 8 Mar 2016:

      A heart attack occurs due to the blood supply to the heart being suddenly interrupted. The heart has its’ own blood through the coronary arteries if these get blocked by plaque, the blood can’t get supply the heart to give it the oxygen it needs to work. Without this blood supply the heart muscle can die. Another cause can be illegal drug abuse which can cause the arteries to narrow; therefore reducing the blood supply to heart.

    • Photo: Jen Lowe

      Jen Lowe answered on 8 Mar 2016:

      Heart attacks happen when the blood supply to the heart muscle is obstructed in some way. Usually coronary artery disease which has been present for a while. The blockage can occur when a bit of plaque comes off the artery and blocks the blood flow. Again it’s a case of making healthy life choices to reduce your personal risk.

    • Photo: Paul O'Mahoney

      Paul O'Mahoney answered on 9 Mar 2016:

      As the others have said, this occurs when the blood flow to the heart is interrupted. Often this is because of a clot in the arteries caused by things like cholesterol. This is why it is important to not have too much cholesterol in your diet, and to eat lots of healthy foods

    • Photo: Greg Melia

      Greg Melia answered on 9 Mar 2016:

      It’s useful to know that ‘Heart failure’ doesn’t just mean heart attacks. An old man I know has a heart that is weak, so although it hasn’t stopped beating, it isn’t strong enough to make enough blood flow to clear all the toxins out of some places like his legs. He recently had to go into hospital to sort this out. Like anything, if you’re worried, see your doctor!

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