FEB 14, 2017 11:50 AM PST

What Happens During a Heart Attack?

WRITTEN BY: Xuan Pham

Heart-related diseases are the number one killer of men and women in the US. In particular to heart attacks, this condition claims the lives of 7 million people annually. But while we have all been conditioned to understand that a heart attack is a serious health threat that requires immediate medical intervention, what exactly goes on in the body during this event?

Fundamentally, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart is interrupted due to some obstruction. When this happens, that part of the heart can't get oxygen and becomes damaged. And because the heart is a vital organ that pumps blood to the rest of the body, a heart attack is no joking matter. Watch the video to learn more about what goes on in the body during a heart attack, and the risk factors for this condition.
About the Author
Doctorate (PhD)
I am a human geneticist, passionate about telling stories to make science more engaging and approachable. Find more of my writing at the Hopkins BioMedical Odyssey blog and at TheGeneTwist.com.
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