A weak heart and heart attacks are caused by several factors, often related to lifestyle, genetics, and underlying health conditions. Here's a breakdown:
Causes of a Weak Heart (Heart Failure)
Coronary artery disease (CAD) – narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart.
High blood pressure (Hypertension) – forces the heart to work harder, weakening it over time.
Heart attack (Myocardial infarction) – damages the heart muscle.
Cardiomyopathy – disease of the heart muscle, can be genetic or due to infection, alcohol, or toxins.
Heart valve disease – faulty valves strain the heart.
Arrhythmias – irregular heartbeats can weaken the heart muscle.
Diabetes – increases risk of heart disease and weakens the heart over time.
Obesity – strains the heart and contributes to high blood pressure and diabetes.
Chronic alcohol or drug abuse – damages heart muscle.
Infections – like viral myocarditis, can directly damage the heart.
Causes of Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Atherosclerosis – buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, blocking blood flow.
Blood clots – a clot in a narrowed artery can completely block blood supply to part of the heart.
Spasm of coronary artery – rare, but can cut off blood flow even without plaque.
Severe emotional or physical stress – can trigger a heart attack in vulnerable people (e.g., "broken heart syndrome").
Risk Factors (Common to Both)
Smoking
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Lack of physical activity
Poor diet (high in saturated fats, salt, sugar)
Excessive alcohol
Stress
Family history of heart disease
Age (risk increases with age)
Male gender (higher risk, though post-menopausal women are also at increased risk)
