What causes a heart attack?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, myocardial infarction (MI) refers to the death of heart muscle tissue, which may be caused by excessive fatigue, emotional instability, iron-deficiency anemia, hypertension, or coronary atherosclerosis. Daily diet should mainly consist of light, easily digestible, and low-fat foods. Appropriate physical activities such as walking, health exercises, and tai chi are recommended. Additionally, it is important to take medications regularly, maintain a consistent daily routine, and undergo regular monitoring and check-ups.
In general, myocardial infarction (commonly known as heart attack) may be caused by factors such as excessive fatigue, emotional instability, iron-deficiency anemia, hypertension, and coronary atherosclerosis. Treatment under medical guidance may include general management and medication. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Fatigue
Continuously staying up late for work or engaging in intense physical activities may lead to physical exhaustion and increased cardiac load, raising myocardial oxygen consumption and potentially triggering myocardial infarction. It is important to adjust work pace, increase rest time, and improve sleep quality in daily life.
2. Emotional Instability
Extreme emotional fluctuations, such as excessive anger or stress, may place excessive strain on the heart and lead to myocardial infarction. Maintaining a calm mindset, finding suitable ways to cope with stress—such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga—and learning effective stress management techniques can help enhance emotional stability.
3. Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Insufficient iron intake or excessive iron loss may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. After onset, the number of red blood cells in the blood decreases; if the condition progresses continuously, it may severely impair blood oxygen delivery, reduce cardiac blood perfusion, and result in myocardial infarction. Symptoms may also include palpitations, dizziness, and headaches. Patients can take medications such as ferrous lactate oral solution, ferrous fumarate granules, or compound ferrous sulfate and folic acid tablets under medical supervision.
4. Hypertension
Hypertension may be caused by age, genetic factors, or unhealthy lifestyles. It increases blood viscosity, slows blood flow, promotes thrombus formation, blocks coronary arteries, and raises the risk of myocardial infarction. Common accompanying symptoms include dizziness, headache, and numbness in limbs. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as nifedipine tablets, metoprolol tartrate tablets, or captopril sustained-release tablets.
5. Coronary Atherosclerosis
High blood lipids, obesity, smoking, and genetic factors may contribute to coronary atherosclerosis. When atherosclerosis occurs in the coronary arteries, the vessel walls thicken and harden, the lumen narrows or even becomes occluded, potentially causing myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, ultimately leading to myocardial infarction. Symptoms often include angina, dizziness, and sweating. Patients should take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, or isosorbide mononitrate sustained-release tablets under medical guidance.
In daily life, a light, easily digestible, low-fat diet is recommended. Appropriate exercises such as walking, health exercises, or tai chi are beneficial. Regular medication, a consistent lifestyle, and periodic monitoring and check-ups can help control the progression of myocardial infarction.
