What is the leading risk factor for myocardial infarction?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered the leading risk factor for myocardial infarction, or heart attack, because it involves the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries. This accumulation narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. When the blood flow is significantly reduced or blocked, it can lead to ischemia and ultimately result in a myocardial infarction.

While other factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus are significant contributors to the development of coronary artery disease, they act more as risk factors that can lead to the progression of the disease rather than the direct cause of heart attacks themselves. CAD represents the culmination of these risk factors and directly correlates with the incidence of myocardial infarction. Therefore, understanding CAD as the underlying pathology provides insight into the mechanisms leading to heart attacks, making it the primary risk factor when considering overall heart health and risk for myocardial infarction.