Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, is caused by reduced blood flow in a coronary artery due to atherosclerosis or blockage by a blood clot. It results in irreversible damage to heart muscle from prolonged lack of oxygen. There are different types classified by the location and severity of damage in the left ventricle. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Diagnosis involves clinical symptoms, cardiac enzyme levels, electrocardiogram changes, and imaging tests. Treatment consists of non-pharmacological lifestyle changes as well as drugs to break up clots, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and manage complications.