What is another term for myocardial infarction?

Myocardial infarction is a medical term that specifically refers to the condition commonly known as a heart attack. It occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot, leading to damage or death of heart muscle tissue. Using the term "heart attack" is more accessible and makes it easier for the general public to understand the seriousness of the condition compared to the clinical terminology.

In contrast, cardiac arrest refers to a sudden loss of heart function, which can occur due to various reasons but is not synonymous with a heart attack. Stroke describes a condition where there is an interruption of blood supply to the brain, which is entirely different from a heart attack. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke and other complications but does not directly denote a heart attack. Therefore, the term "heart attack" accurately captures the meaning of myocardial infarction in everyday language.