The tragic death of actor Nana Patekar shocked many and the mystery around his death lingered till his autopsy report was released.
As per the official report, the actor died of a heart attack, a senior doctor at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) said on Sunday. The veteran actor suffered a heart attack caused by a blood clot blocking the left main coronary artery, which supplies blood to a large part of the heart.
'Acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery thrombosis secondary to atherosclerotic occlusive coronary artery disease, a natural cause of death' is mentioned as the cause behind Nana Patekar's unfortunate death.
Why is a blood clot in the coronary artery dangerous?
A blood clot in a coronary artery can become a medical emergency within minutes. The role of coronary arteries is to supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When a clot blocks one of these arteries, blood flow to part of the heart can suddenly decrease or stop, potentially causing a heart attack. A coronary blood clot often develops after a fatty deposit or plaque inside an artery becomes unstable and ruptures.
What are the symptoms of a coronary blood clot?
As per Healthline, symptoms can vary from person to person, but common heart attack symptoms include:
- chest pain behind the breastbone
- pain radiating down the left arm
- pain in the head, jaw, and ear
- a feeling of tightness around the throat
- breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
- fainting
- severe dizziness
Can a coronary blood clot be prevented?
According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help prevent the condition and the conditions that can cause it.
Reducing cardiovascular risk can lower the likelihood of plaque buildup and coronary artery disease. Managing cholesterol and blood pressure, controlling diabetes, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following a heart-healthy diet can all help protect heart health.
Medical experts can help with suggestions depending on the condition of the individual. For more information, consult a health expert.
