kardia

Kardia is the transliteration of the ancient Greek kardía (κάρδια), meaning “heart.” The root kard- forms the basis of many medical terms referring to the heart, such as cardiac, cardiology, and cardio-. The term has influenced both anatomy and clinical language over centuries, shaping how the organ is described in various specialties.

In anatomy, cardia designates the upper portion of the stomach near the esophagus, at the gastroesophageal junction. This region is distinguished from other parts of the stomach and from the heart in different medical contexts. The use of cardia in this sense reflects historical naming practices that link anatomical regions to associated organs or openings.

Kardia is also used as a brand name in modern health technology. In particular, AliveCor markets personal ECG devices and software under the Kardia name, including KardiaMobile and KardiaApp. These tools enable users to record a single-lead electrocardiogram with a smartphone and share results with healthcare providers. They are intended to aid in monitoring heart rhythm and detecting arrhythmias, but they are not a substitute for professional medical assessment or diagnosis.