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Acute Myocardial Infarction

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated May 14, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

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
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