CARDIAC STIMULANTS Meaning and
Definition
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Cardiac stimulants are substances or drugs that increase the rate and force of the heartbeat, thus enhancing heart function. These stimulants exert their effects on the heart muscle by acting directly on its cells or by influencing the nervous system that controls the heart. They are commonly used to treat various cardiac conditions, such as heart failure, bradycardia (a slow heart rate), and certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Cardiac stimulants work by increasing the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are neurotransmitters that regulate heart rate and contractility. They can enhance the heart's pumping action, leading to increased blood flow throughout the body while also improving the overall efficiency of the heart. This increased cardiac output can be beneficial in individuals with weakened heart muscles or impaired circulation.
Common examples of cardiac stimulants include drugs like digitalis, epinephrine, dopamine, and dobutamine. Digitalis, derived from the foxglove plant, is one of the oldest known cardiac stimulants and is commonly used to treat heart failure. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone that stimulates the heart and is often used during CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to restore normal heart rhythm. Dopamine and dobutamine are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of adrenaline and are frequently used in the treatment of heart failure.
While cardiac stimulants can improve heart function, they also carry potential risks and side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias. Therefore, they should only be used under the supervision and prescription of a medical professional.
Common Misspellings for CARDIAC STIMULANTS
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Etymology of CARDIAC STIMULANTS
The word "cardiac" originated from the Latin word "cardiacus", which came from the Greek word "kardiakos", meaning "pertaining to the heart". It is derived from "kardia", which means "heart".
The word "stimulant" comes from the Latin word "stimulans", which is the present participle of "stimulare", meaning "to goad or stimulate". It can be traced back to the Latin word "stimulus", which refers to a goad or driving stick used to prod animals.
Combining these two roots, "cardiac stimulants" refer to substances or medications that stimulate the heart or increase its activity.
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