Most myocardial infarction results from a complete blockage of one of the three arteries that deliver blood to the heart. Without oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle begins to die. Getting prompt medical attention can reduce the amount of damage, but the harm that's already done is permanent.
Coronary arteries can be blocked by a blood clot, an arterial spasm or atherosclerosis, which is plaque buildup.
Signs of myocardial infarction are usually an abrupt, squeezing chest pain that may move to the jaw, arm, shoulder or back. But some people only experience a feeling similar to indigestion or no symptoms at all.
Also Known As: heart attack
LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company, provides original and syndicated online lifestyle content. Nancy Larson is a St. Louis-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of local and national print and online publications including CNN.com, The Weather Channel, Health magazine and The Advocate.
