What is another name for a myocardial infarction (MI)?

A myocardial infarction (MI) is commonly referred to as a heart attack. This term describes the condition where there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, leading to damage or death of the heart muscle due to a lack of blood supply. Understanding this terminology is crucial for recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with a heart attack, which may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and other systemic issues.

The other terms listed, while related to heart conditions, refer to different phenomena. Cardiac arrest indicates a sudden loss of heart function, while angina pectoris describes chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, not necessarily resulting in injury to the tissue. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle itself, which may affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Identifying these distinctions helps in accurately understanding and discussing cardiovascular health.