Which medical event is characterized by tissue death due to blocked blood flow to heart tissue?

• A. Angina
• B. Atherosclerosis
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Cardiac arrest

Answer: (C)

Blocked blood flow to heart tissue that leads to tissue death is a myocardial infarction. This happens when a coronary artery becomes severely blocked, usually by a clot, so the heart muscle downstream doesn’t get enough oxygen. If the lack of oxygen continues, heart muscle cells die, which is the infarction.

This is different from angina, which is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow but without actual death of heart tissue. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can cause narrowing and contribute to blockages, but it isn’t the tissue-destroying event by itself. Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function; it can be caused by several problems, including a heart attack, but it’s not the tissue death in the heart due to blocked blood flow itself.

In an emergency, treat it as a medical crisis: activate EMS, monitor the patient, keep them comfortable, and consider giving aspirin if not contraindicated and if the patient is able to chew it. If the patient’s breathing or consciousness deteriorates, follow appropriate steps for airway management and use an AED if indicated.