What is an infarct?

An infarct refers to an area of damaged heart tissue resulting from a lack of oxygen, often due to a blockage in the blood supply. When blood flow is obstructed, the heart muscle in that area does not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, leading to tissue death, which is what constitutes an infarct. This usually occurs as a consequence of coronary artery disease, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart are narrowed or blocked.

The other options do not accurately describe an infarct. Minor chest pain can be a symptom of various heart conditions, but it does not constitute tissue damage. An abnormal heart rhythm pertains to arrhythmias and does not inherently indicate tissue death. A blood vessel obstruction is a potential cause for an infarct but does not directly define what an infarct is; it's more about the outcome of that obstruction as it affects the heart tissue. Thus, the correct choice effectively captures the essence of what an infarct is and its impact on heart health.