What does MI stand for in cardiac terminology?

In cardiac terminology, MI stands for myocardial infarction. This condition refers to the damage or death of heart muscle tissue due to a restriction in blood supply, typically caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. This blockage can result from the buildup of plaque, which is composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances.

The term "myocardial" refers to the heart muscle itself, while "infarction" indicates tissue death due to a lack of blood flow, meaning that the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Understanding this concept is critical for interpreting EKG readings, as myocardial infarction can produce specific changes in the electrical activity of the heart, recognizable on an EKG.

The other options, while they may sound similar, do not accurately capture the clinical significance of the term MI in the context of heart disease.