Definition: A myocardial infarction -- or acute myocardial infarction -- is a complete blockage of the coronary artery, which carries blood to the myocardium (heart muscle wall). The blockage often is a result of a blood clot, but can also be caused by plaque (cholesterol) or other material.
A myocardial infarction leads to heart muscle death and may cause decreased heart output. Victims of acute myocardial infarction are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest and death.
Pronunciation: my-oh-car-dee-all in-farck-shun
Also Known As: AMI or MI, heart attack
