A cardiologist at the Uganda Heart Institute in Mulago, Dr. Emmy Okello explains that heart attacks usually happen when coronary arteries that supply heart muscle with blood flow become narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances that together are called plaque.

The moment a plaque in a heart artery breaks, a blood clot forms which blocks the blood flow through the heart muscle. When the heart muscle is starved for oxygen and nutrients, damage or death occurs.

Dr Okello says there are many predisposing factors for heart attack. Having high blood pressure is the most common. Dr Okello says diabetes, obesity; consuming foods in high cholesterol and lack of physical activity also contribute to heart attacks.

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