Infarcts refers to areas of dead tissue resulting from an inadequate blood supply due to a blockage or obstruction of blood vessels, typically arteries. It occurs when blood flow to a certain part of the body is compromised, leading to tissue death and the formation of an infarct.
During an ischemic event, such as a blood clot or plaque buildup on the arterial walls, the affected tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood. This lack of adequate blood flow, known as ischemia, can lead to the death of cells within the affected area. The resulting dead or necrotic tissue is called an infarct.
Infarcts can occur in various organs and tissues throughout the body, including the heart, brain, lung, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. The severity and consequences of an infarct depend on the affected organ and the extent of tissue damage. For instance, a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked, resulting in the death of heart tissue.
Diagnosis of infarcts is often achieved through medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, which can reveal the location, size, and extent of tissue damage. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the blockage, restoring blood flow, and managing any resulting complications.
