What is a myocardial infarction?

A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, specifically refers to the death of heart muscle tissue due to a lack of adequate blood supply. This condition typically occurs when one or more coronary arteries become blocked, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching a portion of the heart. Over time, this leads to the death of heart muscle cells, which can severely impact the heart's ability to function properly and may result in significant health complications or even death.

Recognizing this definition helps to distinguish myocardial infarction from other medical conditions. While chest pain is a symptom often associated with a heart attack, it does not encompass the definition of myocardial infarction itself. Similarly, damage to brain cells due to insufficient blood flow describes a stroke, which is a different medical event. Finally, while a myocardial infarction is indeed a serious type of heart disease, the term "myocardial infarction" is specifically tied to the damage and death of heart muscle, making the definition of insufficient blood supply the most precise and accurate choice.