“Hardening of the Arteries” Is Only Half the Story

Many heart attacks are caused by a different process that gives no warning

Published: January 21, 2025

Screen Shot 2025-01-05 at 12.20.58 PM — © Logo3in1 | Dreamstime When plaque—made up of cholesterol, fats and other materials—forms in the walls of a coronary artery, the stage is set for a heart attack. If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form quickly in the artery, blocking blood flow through the artery and starving the heart muscle of oxygen. This injury to heart tissue is called a heart attack. Restoring blood flow as quickly as possible is the key to successful heart attack treatment.

In the mid-1900s, it was common to hear about someone with “hardening of the arteries.” These individuals found that physical exertion or emotional stress caused pain or pressure in the chest. Resting relieved the discomfort, known as angina. If the discomfort ever failed to resolve, they were likely having a heart attack.