cardiac

Cardiac is an adjective that relates to the heart. The term derives from the Greek kardia. In medical contexts it encompasses the anatomy, physiology, diseases, and therapies associated with the heart and the broader cardiovascular system.

Anatomy and function: The heart consists of four chambers—two atria and two ventricles—valves, and a conduction system that coordinates rhythm and contraction. Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle and to the lungs, and from the left atrium to the left ventricle and to the systemic circulation. The cardiac cycle includes systole, when the heart contracts, and diastole, when it relaxes. The coronary arteries supply the myocardium with oxygenated blood.

Common conditions: Ischemic heart disease results from reduced coronary blood flow and can lead to angina or myocardial infarction. Other conditions include arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. Risk factors include age, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and sedentary behavior.

Diagnostics: Diagnostic tools include the electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, stress testing, and cardiac imaging with MRI or CT. Laboratory tests such as cardiac troponins help detect myocardial injury.

Treatment and management: Approaches combine lifestyle modification and medical therapy with procedures when needed. Medications include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, diuretics, statins, and antiplatelet agents. Revascularization, such as percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting, may restore blood flow. Device therapies include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. In some cases surgical repair or transplantation is indicated.

Public health perspective: Cardiac health remains a major focus of medicine, with prevention emphasizing risk factor control, early detection, and guideline-based treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality.