Final answer:
Myocardial Infarction (MI) is the medical term for a reduced blood supply to the heart causing damage, and it is also known as a heart attack. It occurs primarily due to blockages in coronary arteries from atherosclerotic plaques and can lead to cardiac muscle death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for a reduced blood supply to the heart tissue, causing damage to the heart muscle, is Myocardial Infarction (MI). This condition, commonly known as a heart attack, results from ischemia, which is decreased blood flow, and hypoxia, which is a reduced supply of oxygen to the heart's region. A heart attack typically occurs when a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart, becomes blocked. This blockade is often due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque containing lipids, cholesterol, fatty acids, and white blood cells. If coronary heart disease progresses, the risk of an MI increases, leading to the death of cardiac muscle tissue. This is why coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death.