Why might a thrombus in a coronary artery cause sudden death?

A thrombus (blood clot) in a coronary artery can lead to sudden death due to a condition known as myocardial infarction or heart attack. Here's how this process unfolds:

Obstruction of Blood Flow:

• A thrombus can block or significantly reduce blood flow through a coronary artery. Coronary arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle (myocardium). When blood flow is obstructed, the portion of the heart muscle supplied by that artery is deprived of oxygen.

Ischemia:

• The lack of oxygen to the heart muscle results in ischemia, which is a condition of insufficient blood flow. Ischemia can cause chest pain or discomfort known as angina.

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack):

• If the blood clot persists and completely blocks the coronary artery, it can lead to a myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack. During an MI, the affected portion of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen for an extended period, leading to damage or death of the heart tissue.

Irreversible Damage:

• The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the extent of damage to the heart muscle. Irreversible damage occurs when the oxygen supply is not restored promptly.

Arrhythmias and Cardiac Arrest:

• As a consequence of the heart muscle damage, there is an increased risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Severe arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, can lead to cardiac arrest, where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively.

Sudden Death:

• Cardiac arrest can result in sudden death if the heart is unable to pump blood to the rest of the body, including the brain, within a very short period. Lack of blood flow to the brain can lead to unconsciousness and death if not promptly treated.