The coronary arteries are narrowed by atherosclerosis or clogged by a blood clot and oxygen does not reach the myocardium. The myocardium, receiving no oxygen, cannot produce the energy to move and tissue cells that no longer receive blood die.
If acute myocardial infarction is small in size, one can lead a normal life, but risk factors must be controlled in order to prevent another attack.
If acute myocardial infarction is extensive, you may suffer lifelong heart failure.