What is the primary cause of a heart attack?

The primary cause of a heart attack is a blockage in the blood supply to the heart. This blockage typically occurs due to the buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaques, in the coronary arteries. When these plaques rupture, they can form a blood clot that significantly reduces or completely obstructs blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. The heart muscle requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly, and when this supply is interrupted, it can lead to the heart muscle being damaged or dying, which is what constitutes a heart attack.

While high cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of these plaques over time, and irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure can be related health issues, they are not the direct primary cause of a heart attack. Rather, these factors may increase the risk of blockages occurring, but the immediate cause that results in a heart attack is the blockage itself.