What Causes a Heart Attack? Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions Heart attacks are caused by plaque buildup that blocks an artery. Heart experts from National Jewish Health explain how to prevent plaque buildup and when to seek help for chest pain. Related Videos 3 Keys to a Healthy Heart Heart Attack Symptoms in Women What is Chest Pain? 4 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease What Is a Heart Murmur? Symptoms of a Weak Heart Breath Test or Heart Rate? Angina = Heart Attack Transcript A heart attack or the medical term, myocardial infarction, it literally means that part of the heart has actually died. So atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries we often hear. What happens is sludge builds up on the pipes and over time it can actually get to a point where it really restricts blood flow. That creates angina. But a heart attack is a sudden rupture of a plaque, some sludgy areas in the arteries, and suddenly blocks the artery altogether, and that causes incredible pain to the heart. And, if is left long enough, meaning if we don't put in a stint or bypass or try to get rid of the clot in some way it can lead to death. Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: