Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked for an extended period. This blockage leads to damage or death of the heart muscle tissue.
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Myocardial infarctions are primarily caused by blockages in one or more coronary arteries due to plaque buildup.
Symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.
Immediate treatment often involves medications like aspirin and procedures such as angioplasty to restore blood flow.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and family history of heart disease.
Diagnostic tools include electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood tests for cardiac enzymes, and imaging techniques like echocardiography.
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Related terms
Angina: Chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
A condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques in the arterial walls.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by diverting blood around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.