Cardiomalacia is a medical term that refers to the softening of the heart's muscular tissue. It is pronounced as /kɑrdiəʊməˈleɪʃə/ and is spelled with a combination of Latin and Greek roots. 'Cardio' is from Greek, meaning "heart," while 'malacia' is from Latin, meaning "softness." The word is commonly used in medical literature to describe a particular condition involving the heart. Proper spelling is essential in medical terminology to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication among healthcare professionals.
Cardiomalacia is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by softening or degeneration of the heart muscle or myocardium. It is derived from the Greek words "cardio" meaning heart and "malacia" meaning softening. Cardiomalacia is often associated with other underlying cardiac conditions, such as cardiomyopathy or myocardial infarction.
In cardiomalacia, the heart muscle becomes weakened and loses its ability to contract effectively, leading to impaired pumping function. This can result in various symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats. The underlying causes of cardiomalacia may include coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, chronic inflammation, or certain infections.
Diagnosis of cardiomalacia is typically determined through a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or coronary angiography.
Treatment of cardiomalacia aims to address the root cause and manage symptoms. It may involve lifestyle modifications such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Medications may be prescribed to control symptoms and manage underlying conditions. In severe cases, surgical interventions like coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve replacement may be necessary.
Overall, cardiomalacia refers to the weakening and degeneration of the heart muscle, leading to a compromised cardiac function. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to prevent further complications and improve the patient's quality of life.
Softening of the walls of the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cardiomalacia" has its roots in two Greek words: "cardio" and "malacia".
"Cardio" is derived from the Greek word "kardia", meaning "heart". It is often used as a prefix in medical terminology relating to the heart or cardiovascular system.
"Malacia" comes from the Greek word "malakia", which means "softness" or "softening". It is often used in medical terms to describe abnormal softening or degeneration of a particular organ or tissue.
Therefore, "cardiomalacia" is a compound word combining "cardio" and "malacia", and it refers to the abnormal softening or degeneration of the heart.