What terms describes the necrosis of cardiac muscle?

Myocardial Infarction (MI) refers specifically to the death or necrosis of cardiac muscle tissue due to a lack of blood supply, often caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. This blockage leads to a reduced or complete cessation of blood flow, which results in the degradation and death of the heart muscle cells. The importance of identifying an MI lies in its urgent need for medical intervention, as the longer the muscle is deprived of oxygen, the greater the extent of damage, potentially leading to serious complications or even death.

In contrast, heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart fails to pump effectively, which is not directly indicative of muscle necrosis. Cardiac arrest describes a sudden loss of heart function, which can be due to various reasons, including but not limited to an MI. Angina pectoris refers to chest pain due to ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the heart muscle, often signaling an impending MI but not representing the actual necrosis itself. Thus, the term that directly describes the necrosis of cardiac muscle is indeed Myocardial Infarction (MI).