An occurrence during a time when circulation to a region of the heart is obstructed and necrosis (death of tissue cells) is occurring: Known as a heart attack, acute myocardial infarction is the sudden death of part of the heart muscle which is characterized, in most such conditions, by severe and unremitting chest pain.

Men are more likely to suffer acute myocardial infarctions attacks than women, smokers more than nonsmokers, and the children of those who have died of a heart attack are more likely to die from the same cause.

Usually identified as a heart attack: A myocardial infarction consists of sudden pain in the center of the chest and it may also include shortness of breath, restlessness, be with cold-clammy skin, nauseation or vomiting, and even lose consciousness.

Some of the factors that can cause myocardial infarctions include increased age, unhealthy diets, excessive stress, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Myocardial infarction occurring without pain or other symptoms; often detected only by electrographic or postmortem examination.

An actual infarction of the myocardium, but with none of the signs or symptoms of this condition.