What happens if the blood supply to the myocardium stops?

When the blood supply to the myocardium, which is the muscular tissue of the heart, is interrupted, the immediate consequence is that the affected area is deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen. This lack of blood flow can lead to ischemia, where cells begin to suffer from oxygen deprivation. If the blood supply is not restored quickly, the cells in that region of the myocardium will begin to die due to necrosis, a process often referred to as a myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack.

This process underscores the importance of timely medical intervention; restoring blood flow can prevent or limit the extent of damage to the heart muscle. While other options might suggest potential outcomes following a reduction in blood supply, they do not reflect the critical physiological reality of myocardial tissue response to ischemia. Thus, the area of the myocardium that is deprived of blood ultimately becomes nonviable, leading to tissue death.