Cardiac Infarction

Heart & Vascular Health

Diseases & Conditions

Contributed byMbu Mongwa, MD+1 moreDec 11, 2021

The topic Cardiac Infarction you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Heart Attack.

Quick Summary:

A Heart Attack occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of the heart muscle becomes significantly impaired. If the flow is not restored quickly enough, then that portion of the heart muscle begins to die

Heart attacks occur when blood flow to an an area of heart muscle is interrupted, usually suddenly. Most typically, this is a result of sudden plaque rupture. Plaque are soft tissue deposits on the inner surface of the heart's blood vessel containing various cell types and lipids including cholesterol. The plaques may become unstable and suddenly break off. Fragments may then lodge further downstream in the blood vessel, interrupting the blood supply and it's oxygen transport to muscle tissue down stream. This causes the infarction (death) of the muscle tissue or, a heart attack. Clots may also form at the point of plaque rupture, similarly occluding the blood vessel.

Much less commonly, the vessels may be occluded by spasms of the coronary (heart) blood vessels or from a clot carried in from the heart.

Please find comprehensive information on Heart Attack regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

On the Article

Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

Reviewed by

Mbu Mongwa, MD

Associate Chief Medical Officer, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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