Which statement about a heart attack is not true?

Which statement about a heart attack is not true?

• A. If the damaged region of the heart is not too large, the heart muscle can regenerate itself.
• B. Blockage of a coronary artery causes a heart attack.
• C. Prompt medical treatment can limit damage to the heart.
• D. Chest pain is a common symptom of a heart attack.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that adult heart muscle does not regenerate after a heart attack. The statement about regrowth isn’t true because mature cardiomyocytes have very limited capacity to divide. When a heart attack damages tissue, the dead cells aren’t replaced by new muscle; instead, the area heals by forming scar tissue, which can impair the heart’s pumping ability. The amount of damage influences recovery, but regeneration doesn’t occur in meaningful amounts. The other statements are true: a blockage of a coronary artery causes a heart attack, prompt medical treatment can limit damage by restoring blood flow, and chest pain is a common symptom (though presentations can vary).

The key idea is that adult heart muscle does not regenerate after a heart attack. The statement about regrowth isn’t true because mature cardiomyocytes have very limited capacity to divide. When a heart attack damages tissue, the dead cells aren’t replaced by new muscle; instead, the area heals by forming scar tissue, which can impair the heart’s pumping ability. The amount of damage influences recovery, but regeneration doesn’t occur in meaningful amounts. The other statements are true: a blockage of a coronary artery causes a heart attack, prompt medical treatment can limit damage by restoring blood flow, and chest pain is a common symptom (though presentations can vary).