What is the medical term for a heart attack?

The medical term for a heart attack is "myocardial infarction." This term specifically refers to the event in which blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, typically due to a blood clot, leading to damage or death of that muscle tissue. Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it helps in identifying the condition and providing the necessary treatment promptly.

The other terms mentioned relate to different aspects of heart and vascular health. "Heart failure" refers to a condition where the heart cannot pump effectively, but it is not an acute event like a heart attack. "Cardiac arrest" describes a situation where the heart stops beating altogether, which can occur as a result of a heart attack but is a separate medical emergency. "Coronary artery disease" involves the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart but does not specify the acute event of a heart attack itself. Understanding these distinctions is key to recognizing the seriousness and specific nature of myocardial infarction.