What is the medical term for a heart attack?

The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction. This term specifically refers to the damage or death of heart muscle tissue due to a lack of blood flow, often caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. The word "myocardial" pertains to the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart. "Infarction" refers to the area of tissue that dies due to insufficient blood supply. Understanding this term is crucial in both clinical settings and discussions about cardiovascular health, as it highlights the importance of timely medical intervention during heart-related emergencies.

The other terms listed refer to different medical conditions. Hematemesis pertains to vomiting blood, goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, and neuritis refers to inflammation of a nerve. Each of these terms relates to different bodily systems or disorders, making them unrelated to the concept of a heart attack.