Cardiac crisis is spelled in English with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈkɑː.di.æk ˈkraɪ.sɪs/. The word refers to an acute episode of heart failure or damage, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The first part of the word, "cardiac", is pronounced as /ˈkɑː.di.æk/, with stress on the middle syllable. The second part, "crisis", is pronounced as /ˈkraɪ.sɪs/, with stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this word reflects the Greek origin of "cardiac" and "crisis", which were borrowed into English in the late 16th century.
Cardiac crisis refers to a sudden and severe situation involving the heart, characterized by a significant deterioration in the heart's function or a life-threatening cardiac event. It typically occurs when there is a sudden interruption or reduction in the blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to an inadequate supply of oxygen and essential nutrients. This can result from various underlying causes, including heart disease, heart attack, or severe disturbances in the heart's rhythm.
During a cardiac crisis, individuals may experience symptoms such as severe chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. In some cases, the crisis may progress to a point where the heart muscle is severely damaged or stops functioning altogether, leading to a potentially fatal condition. Immediate medical attention is crucial to increase the chances of survival and minimize long-term consequences.
Treatment for a cardiac crisis typically involves emergency interventions focused on restoring blood flow to the heart. This may include administering medications to dissolve blood clots, performing emergency procedures like cardiac catheterization or angioplasty, or even resorting to surgery, such as coronary bypass grafting or the insertion of a stent. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical intervention are essential to prevent further damage to the heart and improve the prognosis for individuals experiencing a cardiac crisis.
An attack of rapid heart action with suffocative dyspnea, occurring in tabes dorsalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "cardiac crisis" can be broken down as follows:
1. Cardiac: The term "cardiac" is derived from the Greek word "kardia", which means "heart". It is related to the Latin word "cardiacus", which also refers to the heart.
2. Crisis: The term "crisis" originated from the Greek word "krisis", which means "turning point" or "decision". In medical terminology, it refers to a sudden, severe, and often life-threatening situation.
Therefore, combining these two elements, "cardiac crisis" is a medical term that refers to a critical state or turning point in the functioning of the heart, often describing a sudden and severe condition that requires immediate attention and intervention.