What life-threatening condition occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen, often leading to a heart attack?

• A. Cardiac Arrest
• B. Myocardial Infarction (MI)
• C. Coronary Heart Disease
• D. Aortic Dissection

Answer: (B)

Myocardial Infarction (MI) is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the damage caused to the heart muscle when blood flow (and thus oxygen) is obstructed, usually due to a clot in one of the coronary arteries. When the blood flow is severely reduced or completely blocked, the heart tissue begins to die from lack of oxygen, leading to a heart attack. This condition is life-threatening as it can cause severe complications, including cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, and even death if not treated promptly.

The other options represent different cardiovascular conditions that do not describe the direct mechanism of oxygen deprivation leading to a heart attack. For instance, cardiac arrest is an immediate stop in heart function but can occur as a result of an MI. Coronary heart disease refers to a broader condition involving the narrowing of coronary arteries but does not specifically denote an acute event like an MI. Aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta that can lead to severe complications and is unrelated to oxygen deprivation in the heart muscle itself.