Final answer:
The myocardial infarction (MI) primarily affects the area of the heart muscle served by the blocked coronary artery, diagnosed through ECGs and blood markers. Risk factors include unhealthy lifestyle choices and existing cardiovascular issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the heart that is most commonly impacted in a myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, is the area of the heart muscle that is supplied by the blocked coronary artery.
The blockage, often caused by a blood clot or the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, obstructs the flow of blood and oxygen, leading to the death of cardiac muscle cells in that particular area.
Detection and confirmation of an MI involve diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), which might reveal alterations in the ST and Q segments, categorizing the MI into ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (non-STEMI).
Additional tests may include echocardiography or cardiac MRI, and common blood markers such as creatine kinase MB and cardiac troponin.
Risk factors contributing to the likelihood of an MI include cardiovascular disease, smoking, unhealthy cholesterol levels, hypertension, and lifestyle factors like lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption.
An MI can cause severe complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or even sudden death, highlighting the importance of prevention and prompt treatment.