What is the medical term for a heart attack?

The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction. This term is derived from Latin and Greek origins: "myo" refers to muscle, "cardial" relates to the heart, and "infarction" indicates tissue death due to a lack of blood supply. In the case of a heart attack, a blockage in the coronary arteries restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to damage or death of heart tissue. Understanding this term is crucial in clinical settings, as it directly relates to the understanding of acute coronary syndrome and necessary medical interventions.

Other options refer to different conditions. Angina pectoris describes chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart, typically a warning sign before a myocardial infarction occurs. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure over time. Finally, a cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, pertains to issues related to blood flow to the brain, which is distinct from conditions affecting the heart. Each of these terms captures different aspects of cardiovascular health but does not define a heart attack specifically.