Triggers
The LAD artery blockage can be caused by various factors. The most frequent cause is the accumulation of cholesterol in the artery walls, which results in the obstruction of the blood vessel. This condition is often referred to as atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.” Occasionally, the plaque may rupture, causing a blood clot that completely halts the flow of blood.
The Widowmaker Heart Attack: Name and Severity
The widowmaker heart attack earned its ominous name due to the high mortality rate associated with this particular type of cardiac event. The survival time for individuals experiencing a widowmaker heart attack can vary from just a few minutes to several hours. Although the heart attack itself may not be instantly fatal, it frequently leads to a potentially deadly cardiac arrest. Initial symptoms of a widowmaker heart attack include nausea, shortness of breath, and intense pain throughout the chest and head.