What is a common consequence of myocardial infarction?

Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, typically results in damage to the heart muscle due to the interruption of blood supply. One common consequence of this damage is reduced heart function, which can manifest as heart failure or decreased ability for the heart to pump blood effectively. This impaired function can lead to a series of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention due to the heart's inability to meet the body's circulatory demands.

The other options present potential health concerns that might arise in individuals post-heart attack, but they are not direct or immediate consequences of myocardial infarction. Weight loss can occur if a patient is in a state of chronic illness or if they make significant lifestyle changes post-event, but it is not a typical direct outcome. Hypertension can be a pre-existing condition that worsens after a heart attack, but reduced heart function is a more direct consequence. Similarly, while managing diabetes is crucial and can be affected by overall cardiovascular health, it is not a standard consequence of a myocardial infarction in the immediate aftermath. Thus, reduced heart function is a clear and direct effect of the event itself.