What occurs when myocardial tissue dies due to insufficient blood flow?

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when myocardial tissue dies due to insufficient blood flow, typically as a result of a blockage in one or more coronary arteries. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage and cell death. The prompt recognition and treatment of an MI are crucial to restoring blood flow and saving heart muscle, as prolonged ischemia can result in significant damage and complications.

Understanding the importance of blood flow in maintaining healthy myocardial tissue is fundamental in the study of cardiovascular health. In this context, the other conditions listed, while related to heart function, describe different processes or outcomes. Cardiac arrest refers to the sudden cessation of heart function, which may result from an MI but is not identical to the process of tissue death itself. Heart failure denotes a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump effectively, often following various cardiac injuries, including multiple MIs. Arrhythmia involves irregular heart rhythms that can occur due to many underlying issues, including ischemia, but does not directly identify the tissue death caused by blood flow issues. Thus, myocardial infarction is the specific term that describes tissue death due to inadequate blood supply.