What is a myocardial infarction?

A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when myocardial tissue, or heart muscle, dies as a result of insufficient blood flow. This lack of blood supply is typically caused by a blockage in one or more coronary arteries, usually due to plaque buildup, which restricts the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When the heart muscle is deprived of blood for an extended period, it leads to irreversible damage and cell death.

Understanding this definition is crucial as it emphasizes the significance of timely medical intervention. When a myocardial infarction occurs, rapid restoration of blood flow can prevent further damage to the heart and improve outcomes for the patient. The other options describe unrelated concepts; heart valve disease pertains to the malfunction of the valves within the heart, a surgical procedure refers to methods for treating various heart conditions, and an abnormal heart rhythm, known as arrhythmia, involves issues with the electrical system of the heart rather than direct damage to the myocardial tissue itself.