Myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction are related but distinct conditions that affect the heart. Myocardial ischemia occurs when there is a reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This can be caused by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. The reduction in blood flow means that the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to chest pain or angina. Ischemia is a potentially reversible condition if the underlying cause is addressed promptly. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a more severe form of ischemia. It happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is completely blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage can cause the heart muscle to die, leading to lasting damage. The symptoms of a heart attack are more severe and prolonged than those of ischemia, and it is a medical emergency. In summary, while both conditions involve a lack of blood flow to the heart, myocardial ischemia is a less severe and potentially reversible condition, whereas myocardial infarction is a more severe and irreversible form of heart damage. read more >>

If one of these arteries or branches becomes blocked suddenly, a portion of the heart is starved of oxygen, a condition called "cardiac ischemia." If cardiac ischemia lasts too long, the starved heart tissue dies. This is a heart attack, otherwise known as a myocardial infarction -- literally, "death of heart muscle."read more >>