Which is a common risk factor for myocardial infarction?

Which is a common risk factor for myocardial infarction?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hyperlipidemia
• C. Anemia
• D. Low blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Elevated lipid levels, especially high LDL cholesterol, drive atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. This process forms plaques that narrow and stiffen the vessels; when a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and occlude a coronary artery, leading to myocardial infarction. Because high cholesterol is a direct contributor to plaque buildup and rupture, hyperlipidemia is a common and modifiable risk factor for MI. Hypoglycemia isn’t a driver of atherosclerosis, and anemia mainly reduces oxygen carrying capacity rather than initiating the vessel disease that leads to most heart attacks. Low blood pressure isn’t a known risk factor for myocardial infarction; hypertension is the usual vascular risk factor.

Elevated lipid levels, especially high LDL cholesterol, drive atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. This process forms plaques that narrow and stiffen the vessels; when a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and occlude a coronary artery, leading to myocardial infarction. Because high cholesterol is a direct contributor to plaque buildup and rupture, hyperlipidemia is a common and modifiable risk factor for MI.

Hypoglycemia isn’t a driver of atherosclerosis, and anemia mainly reduces oxygen carrying capacity rather than initiating the vessel disease that leads to most heart attacks. Low blood pressure isn’t a known risk factor for myocardial infarction; hypertension is the usual vascular risk factor.