common causes of heart attack
Coronary artery disease. The most common underlying cause of heart attack is atherosclerosis, a condition in which a fatty substance called plaque builds up on the inside walls of blood vessels. When this occurs in the coronary arteries, it's known as coronary artery disease (CAD).
Coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of heart attacks. CHD is a condition in which the coronary arteries (the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood) get clogged up with deposits of cholesterol. These deposits are called plaques.
Heart attack - Causes. Heart attacks are caused by the blood supply to the heart being suddenly interrupted. Without this supply, heart muscles may be damaged and begin to die. Without treatment, the heart muscles will experience irreversible damage.