Q. What are the differences between myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction? What are their similarities?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, is an interruption of the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle that causes damage to the affected area. It is an acute medical emergency and must be treated as soon as possible. During a heart attack, oxygen-rich blood flow is blocked off from certain areas of the heart resulting in damage or death of heart muscle tissue due to lack of oxygen. This can cause severe chest pain and difficulty breathing for those afflicted with it. The symptoms vary depending on which artery has been blocked by clotting or plaque build up; however common signs include chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness/dizziness, nausea and fatigue. If you think you may be having a myocardial infarction (heart attack), please call 911 immediately!