Medical Term Definition

Infarction

Infarction is the death of tissue caused by an inadequate or interrupted blood supply.

When blood flow to a tissue is severely reduced or completely blocked, the tissue may become deprived of oxygen and nutrients. If the interruption lasts long enough, the affected cells die, producing an infarction.

Infarctions can occur in many organs. Examples include myocardial infarction, commonly called a heart attack, and cerebral infarction, a form of ischemic stroke. The consequences depend on the location and extent of the affected tissue.

QUICK FACT

An infarction is a type of tissue necrosis caused specifically by inadequate blood supply. Not all necrosis is an infarction.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

Ischemia: Ischemia means inadequate blood supply; infarction occurs when prolonged or severe ischemia results in tissue death.

SEE ALSO