Myocardial infarction


A heart attack. Abbreviated MI.

The term “myocardial infarction” focuses on the myocardium (the heart muscle) and the changes that occur in it due to the sudden deprivation of circulating blood. The main change is necrosis (death) of myocardial tissue.

The word “infarction” comes from the Latin “infarcire” meaning “to plug up or cram.” It refers to the clogging of the artery.

Read Also:

  • Myocardial infarction, acute

    Acute myocardial infarction.

  • Myocarditis

    Inflammation of the myocardium, the heart muscle. Myocarditis can be caused by a number of different conditions. The most common cause is infection of the heart muscle by a virus. The virus causes the initial heart muscle inflammation. After the initial viral infection subsides, the body’s immune system continues to inflict inflammatory damage on the […]

  • Myoclonic seizure

    A seizure characterized by jerking (myoclonic) movements of a muscle or muscle group, without loss of consciousness.

  • Myoclonic twitch

    A rapid, involuntary muscle contraction, particularly near the eye. Myoclonic twitches resemble and may be mistaken for tics. Like tics, they tend to occur more often when the person is under stress; unlike tics, they are not preceded by any sensation and they cannot be delayed.

  • Myoclonus

    A condition of abnormal contraction of muscles or portions of muscles.


Disclaimer: Myocardial infarction definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.