What is the medical term for a heart attack?

The term "Myocardial Infarction" describes the medical condition commonly known as a heart attack. This occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is obstructed, usually due to a blood clot in a coronary artery. As a result, the affected heart muscle becomes damaged or dies due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Understanding the specific terms is crucial in the medical field. Myocardial refers to the heart muscle, while infarction indicates tissue death due to a lack of blood supply. This terminology is widely used in clinical settings, providing clarity and precision when discussing cardiac events.

In contrast, atrial fibrillation refers to an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm, which can lead to blood clots and increase the risk of stroke but is not synonymous with a heart attack. Heart palpitations are sensations of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart and are also not indicative of a heart attack. Coronary occlusion describes the blockage of a coronary artery, which can lead to myocardial infarction, but does not directly refer to the event of the heart attack itself. Thus, "Myocardial Infarction" is the most accurate term to describe a heart attack.