ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What occurs in a myocardial infarction?

1. The heart receives too much oxygen

2. The heart's blood supply is restricted

3. Blood flow increases to the heart muscle

4. The heart pumps more efficiently

The correct answer is: The heart's blood supply is restricted

In a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, the heart's blood supply is restricted due to the blockage of coronary arteries. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of plaque, which can rupture and form a clot, thus impeding blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle. When this occurs, the affected heart tissue does not receive adequate oxygen, leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells. The restriction in blood supply is critical because it results in the heart muscle being starved of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly, which can severely impact overall heart health and function. Increasing blood flow to the heart muscle, receiving too much oxygen, or the notion that the heart pumps more efficiently does not align with the physiological event that takes place during a myocardial infarction. In fact, all of these outcomes would indicate healthy heart functioning, contrary to the distress that arises during a heart attack.