Infarction

Updated: 2024-03-28

Tissue death from reduced blood supply.

Overview

Any tissue or body part can be affected by infarction. Common examples of infarction include heart attack, known as myocardial infarction, and infarction of part of the brain, which is a type of stroke.

When to seek immediate medical care

See a healthcare professional if there is:

• Pressure, tightness, pain or aching in chest or arms that may spread to neck, jaw or back.
• Nausea, vomiting, belly pain or bloody stool.
• Slurred speech, paralysis, or loss of pain or temperature sensation.
• Shortness of breath, lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Sharp back pain that may radiate to legs.