occurs when an artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the
muscle of the heart (myocardium) becomes blocked. The resulting
lack of oxygen causes tissue to die in the part of the heart
supplied by the blocked artery. A heart attack is also called a
myocardial infarction (MI). Most heart attacks are indirectly
caused by coronary artery disease Atherosclerosis, a condition
in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the walls of an
artery. This narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to
the muscle of the heart. A heart attack is usually triggered by
a tear or rupture of the plaque, which leads to the formation of
a blood clot that blocks the blood flow in the artery. Spasm of
the artery can also contribute to the blockage. The risk factors
for having a heart attack are similar to those for developing
CAD. Uncontrollable risk factors include: - Postmenopausal
status - Increasing age - African American, Mexican American,
American Indian, native Hawaiian, or Asian ethnicity - Family
history of cardiovascula