What is meant by infarct?

Infarct refers to an area of tissue that has undergone necrosis (cell death) due to a lack of blood supply. It occurs when there is a blockage in an artery or vein, cutting off the oxygen and nutrient supply to a particular region of tissue. This can happen in various organs and tissues throughout the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and intestines.

Infarcts are often caused by a blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel, leading to ischemia (reduced blood flow) and eventual cell death. This process is commonly associated with conditions such as atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) or thrombosis (blood clot formation).

In medical terms, an infarct is typically named based on the affected organ or tissue. For example, a myocardial infarction refers to a heart attack, where a portion of the heart muscle dies due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. Similarly, a cerebral infarction denotes a stroke, where a region of the brain is affected due to a disruption in the blood supply.

Infarcts can vary in size, ranging from small, localized areas to more extensive regions of tissue damage. The consequences of an infarct depend on the location and extent of the affected tissue, as well as the overall health and functioning of the individual.