Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, a household name for generations of WWE fans, has passed away at the age of 71. According to official records from Florida’s Pinellas County Forensic Science Center, Hogan died of acute myocardial infarction — the medical term for a heart attack.
TMZ first confirmed the news, revealing that the WWE Hall of Famer’s sudden death was linked to this critical cardiac condition. The report also mentioned a history of leukemia, which may have further weakened his health in recent years.
So, what exactly is acute myocardial infarction, and how serious is it?
What Is Acute Myocardial Infarction?
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the clinical term for a heart attack. It happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot, leading to damage or death of heart muscle tissue. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal — as sadly seen in Hogan’s case.
Heart attacks are often caused by a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside coronary arteries. Over time, this plaque can rupture, causing a clot that restricts blood supply to the heart.
Could Leukemia Have Played a Role?
While Hogan’s immediate cause of death was a heart attack, reports have pointed out that he also suffered from leukemia, a type of cancer. Chronic health conditions like leukemia can weaken the immune system and place additional stress on the body — especially the heart — making recovery from any cardiac event much more difficult.
