Cardiac

Cardiac
Specialty	Cardiology

Cardiac refers to anything related to the heart. In medical terms, it is used to describe conditions, diseases, and treatments pertaining to the heart. The field of medicine that deals with the study and care of the heart is known as cardiology.

Overview

The heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients, and removing metabolic wastes. Cardiac conditions can affect any part of the heart and can result in a variety of health problems.

Common Cardiac Conditions

Some of the most common cardiac conditions include:

• Coronary artery disease - the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, usually caused by atherosclerosis.
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction) - occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies.
• Heart failure - a condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's needs.
• Arrhythmia - irregular heartbeat, either too fast, too slow, or erratic.
• Valvular heart disease - involves damage to or a defect in one of the four heart valves.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of cardiac conditions involves a variety of tests and procedures. These can include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiogram - uses ultrasound to create images of the heart.
• Cardiac stress test - measures the heart's ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment.
• Cardiac catheterization - involves inserting a catheter into a chamber or vessel of the heart.

Treatment for cardiac conditions can vary widely based on the specific condition, its severity, and the patient's overall health. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly surgical interventions such as coronary artery bypass surgery or heart transplant.

Prevention

Preventive measures for cardiac health include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco smoke, managing stress, and regular medical check-ups.

See Also

• Cardiovascular system
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Cardiac arrest