What is a possible consequence of blockage in coronary arteries?

Blockage in coronary arteries can lead to a serious condition known as ischemia, which occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is restricted. Coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart; therefore, a blockage prevents adequate oxygen from reaching the cardiac muscle. This lack of oxygen can cause the heart muscle cells to become damaged or die, a condition commonly referred to as a myocardial infarction, or heart attack. As a result, option C accurately describes a significant and dangerous consequence of coronary artery blockage, emphasizing the critical need for maintaining proper blood flow to support healthy heart function.

The other choices present scenarios that do not align with the medical implications of coronary artery blockages. For instance, an increased heart rate can occur as the heart attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen but is not a direct consequence of blockage, while healthy cardiac muscle function is impossible in the presence of such blockages. Lastly, improved blood flow contradicts the nature of blockage, which inherently restricts blood circulation.