Skip to main content

Heart Attack

Overhead shot of s desk with a laptop that someone is typing on, a cup of coffee, and a notepad with pen.

Heart Attack

About every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, happens when the blood that brings oxygen to the heart is severely reduced or completely blocked and the heart muscle begins to die. This is usually caused by coronary artery disease or CAD. CAD is the build up of fat, cholesterol or other substances in an artery in the heart. It is the most common heart disease and the most likely to lead to a heart attack. For more cardiovascular information, visit Healthy Hearts

PM2.5

Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution can increase risk for heart attacks and other types of heart disease. Pollution with small (fine) particles is called particulate matter (PM). PM2.5 is especially damaging to the heart and lungs. This is because it is small enough to travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Studies show that breathing in PM2.5 can trigger heart attacks and strokes and worsen heart failure.

Visit the Michigan Cardiovascular Disease Dashboard for additional cardiovascular disease data.