Complications

Myocardial ischemia can lead to serious complications, including:

• Heart attack. If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, the lack of blood and oxygen can lead to a heart attack that destroys part of the heart muscle. The damage can be serious and sometimes fatal.
• Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). An abnormal heart rhythm can weaken your heart and may be life-threatening.
• Heart failure. Over time, repeated episodes of ischemia may lead to heart failure.