Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot forming on a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery. This interruption deprives heart tissue of oxygen, causing cell death and potentially permanent damage to heart function. Symptoms often include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating, although presentations vary. Treatment may involve clot-busting drugs, angioplasty with stent placement, coronary artery bypass surgery, and long-term medications to control risk factors. From an insurance perspective, a history of myocardial infarction significantly increases mortality risk and requires thorough evaluation of cardiac status, including ejection fraction, residual ischemia, and control of risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and hypertension.

In underwriting practice, myocardial infarction is a major cardiac impairment that typically results in table ratings or, in severe cases, declines. Underwriters look at the time since the heart attack, the number of affected vessels, results of stress tests and imaging, and whether revascularization procedures were successful. A single MI with good recovery and excellent risk-factor control may be insurable after a waiting period, whereas multiple MIs, low ejection fraction, or ongoing angina often lead to much less favorable outcomes. Advisors working with post-MI clients collect cardiology reports, catheterization summaries, and medication lists before shopping the case. They also set expectations that offers may be limited in amount or require higher premiums. For living benefits and critical illness riders, precise definitions of myocardial infarction in the contract must be reviewed to determine claim eligibility.