What is the end result of complete occlusion of a coronary artery?

The end result of complete occlusion of a coronary artery is myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. When a coronary artery becomes fully occluded, blood cannot flow through it to supply oxygen and nutrients to a specific area of the heart muscle (the myocardium). Without this blood supply, the affected heart tissue becomes ischemic – meaning it is deprived of oxygen. If the obstruction continues for a significant duration, the cells within that area start to die, leading to myocardial necrosis. This process is crucial to understand because timely restoration of blood flow is essential to prevent irreversible damage to the heart muscle and maintain overall cardiac function.

The other options involve scenarios that are prevented by the occlusion itself. Improved blood flow and increased oxygenation would not occur due to a blockage—instead, they would result from the proper functioning of coronary arteries. While arrhythmias can be a consequence of an infarction, they are typically secondary effects rather than the direct result of complete occlusion prior to any heart muscle damage occurring. Hence, the primary and most immediate outcome of complete occlusion is indeed myocardial infarction.