Cholesterol and heart attacks

Excess cholesterol is deposited on the walls of the arteries, especially those of the heart. When the blood no longer flows, it is myocardial infarction. Discover this mechanism in pictures.

Myocardial infarction also called "heart attack" corresponds to the stopping of blood circulation in the heart, which leads to cell death due to lack of oxygen. 

Focus on blood circulation

The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle. This extraordinary pump will then propel the blood to all the organs and thus bring them the oxygen necessary for their functioning.

Formation of fatty plaques

As in all vessels, cholesterol circulates freely in the blood. When this natural lipid is in excess, it is deposited on the walls of the arteries, in particular those of the heart (the coronary artery), forming fatty plaques or atheroma. These atherosclerotic plaques grow over time and can break off, circulating as clots that can block an artery, often the coronary artery that supplies blood to heart cells.

Artery obstruction and infarction

As the coronary arteries narrow, the risk of a clot forming ( thrombosis ) increases. This clot can block the artery or break off and obstruct a smaller vessel. When the blood no longer passes, the heart cells, deprived of oxygen, die. The heart can no longer function, it is the infarction. The consequences are immediate: chest pain, shortness of breath, heart rhythm disorders, even heart failure.

Management requires emergency coronary artery unblocking to save the patient's life. 

Cholesterol is not alone responsible for heart attacks, it is only a cardiovascular risk factor capable of promoting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, overweight and obesity, lack of physical exercise, as well as non-modifiable genetic predispositions. To reduce your risk of heart attack, you might as well put the odds on your side by reducing your cholesterol level but also by quitting smoking, monitoring your weight, your blood pressure, your blood sugar and your level of physical activity.