Question

A heart attack occurs when ________ .

a. a coronary vessel is completely plugged and the surrounding tissue dies
b. a patient experiences angina pectoris
c. gradual enlargement of a plaque narrows the blood vessel lumen
d. blood flow is reduced to the legs
e. enlarged atherosclerotic plaque ruptures

Answer 1

A heart attack occurs when enlarged atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, causing blood to leak into the tissue and leading to a blockage. This can result in a heart attack or stroke.

Step-by-step explanation:

A heart attack occurs when enlarged atherosclerotic plaque ruptures. Sometimes a plaque can rupture, causing microscopic tears in the artery wall that allow blood to leak into the tissue on the other side. When this happens, platelets rush to the site to clot the blood. This clot can further obstruct the artery and, if it occurs in a coronary or cerebral artery, cause a sudden heart attack or stroke.