1. What is a myocardial infarction?

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack) is a condition in which one or more branches of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart) suddenly become narrowed or completely blocked, causing the heart muscle cells to die.

• A heart attack can directly threaten a patient’s life if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

• The main cause is the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques on the arterial wall, which exposes the damaged vessel lining. Platelets then aggregate at the site and form a blood clot that partially or completely blocks the artery.

• The severity of damage depends on the location of the blockage, with the most serious outcome being death.

• Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. People with lifestyles that lead to atherosclerosis—such as poor diet, lack of exercise, advanced age, and male gender—are more likely to experience a heart attack.

• Having multiple risk factors increases the chance of developing the disease, but does not guarantee it will occur.

People with atherosclerosis are at high risk for myocardial infarction.

2. Who is at high risk for myocardial infarction?

• Men: Men have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases at a younger age than women. This is due to the protective effects of estrogen in premenopausal women. After menopause, women’s risk becomes similar to men’s.

• Older adults: Age is one of the most important predictors of disease. The risk increases significantly after age 45 for men and 55 for women.

• Family history: People with a family history of heart attack or stroke—especially if a male relative had a heart attack before age 55 or a female before age 65—have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Smoking (cigarettes or pipe tobacco): Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. In fact, 30–40% of coronary artery disease deaths are linked to smoking.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Regular exercise can reduce the chance of heart attack and positively influence other risk factors like weight control and stress reduction.

• High blood pressure: Men with hypertension are 3 times more likely, and women 6 times more likely, to have a heart attack. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk, due to damage to artery walls and acceleration of plaque formation.

• High cholesterol: Diets high in saturated fats raise cholesterol levels and promote plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Saturated fats are commonly found in processed foods, instant noodles, fried foods, cheese, eggs, etc.

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol raises the risk of cardiovascular events by increasing blood pressure and potentially causing liver damage, brain complications, and heart attacks.

• Overweight/obesity: All levels of obesity increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote plaque formation in arteries. Obesity is also linked to other risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and diabetes.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks. Type 2 diabetes promotes hypertension and cholesterol buildup in arteries, accelerating atherosclerosis.

Drinking excessive alcohol increases the risk of heart attacks.

3. How to prevent myocardial infarction?

Healthy eating and regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Recommended prevention strategies include:

• Quit smoking and tobacco use

• Increase physical activity: Moderate exercise such as jogging for 30–60 minutes per day, 4–7 days per week

• Adopt a healthy diet:

  • Eat more vegetables, fresh fruits, fiber-rich foods, and plant-based protein

  • Limit foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats (such as animal organs, fatty meats, fried foods, and processed snacks)

  • Reduce salt intake

• Maintain a healthy weight:

  • Lose weight if overweight

  • Aim for a BMI of 18.5–22.9 kg/m²

  • Keep waist circumference under 90 cm for men and under 80 cm for women

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Have regular health check-ups:

  • Monitor your risk levels

  • Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

  • Follow prescribed treatments