CARDIAC
WHAT IS CARDIAC SCIENCE?
The study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses and problems affecting the heart and circulatory system (cardiovascular system) are the main objectives of cardiac science, an area of medical research. It covers a broad spectrum of fields and study topics. “Cardiac” means anything that has to do with the heart. It is a common one to describe heart-related disorders, processes, or functions in scientific and medical contexts. For instance:
Cardiac System:-
This term describes the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood arteries. The cardiac system, is the system in your body that includes the heart and the blood vessels. Its main job is to move blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body to keep all the organs and tissues healthy and working properly.
The heart is the major organ of the cardiac system. It pumps blood through a network of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Veins bring the oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
Capillaries are microscopic blood arteries that allow cells to exchange nutrients and oxygen.
The cardiac system helps in delivering oxygen to vital organs, removing waste, and maintaining blood pressure to keep the body functioning.
Cardiac Diseases:-
Conditions affecting the heart, such as arrhythmias and heart attacks.Any illness that affects the heart is referred to as cardiac disease. It may involve issues with the electrical system that regulates the heartbeat, the shape of the heart, or its capacity to pump blood. Typical forms of heart disease include:
Heart Attack: This happens when a blood clot damages the heart muscle by obstructing blood flow to a portion of the heart.
Arrhythmias: An irregular heartbeat, which can be too fast, too slow, or uneven.
Cardiac Function:-
The heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body. How well the heart does its task of pumping blood throughout the body is referred to as cardiac function. The heart functions as a pump, pumping blood with oxygen to the organs and tissues and blood with low oxygen content to the lungs for oxygenation.
The heart has four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers).
The body sends blood with low oxygen content to the right side of the heart, which then pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation.
The lungs supply oxygen-rich blood to the left side of the heart, which then circulates it throughout the body.
Electrical signals are also used by the heart to regulate the rhythm of its beats. By assisting the heart in contracting and relaxing, these signals guarantee that blood flows correctly. When the heart pumps effectively, it maintains the body’s health by providing all bodily regions with the oxygen and nutrition they require.
Cardiac Surgery:-
Procedures used to address conditions pertaining to the heart. Cardiac surgery refers to operations performed on the heart to treat various heart conditions. These surgeries are typically done to fix problems like blocked arteries, damaged heart valves, or other heart diseases.
Bypass surgery is a popular kind of heart surgery in which medical professionals open clogged arteries to allow blood to flow in a different direction. Another kind is valve replacement, which involves swapping out a defective heart valve with a new one. Parts of the heart’s structure may need to be replaced or repaired during certain procedures.
When medications or other therapies are insufficient to restore heart health, heart surgery is frequently required. Patients may require some time to recuperate following surgery, and maintaining long-term heart health requires lifestyle modifications including regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Cardiac arrest:-
Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. This means the heart can no longer pump blood to the body, including the brain and other vital organs. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate action, such as CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) or defibrillation (electric shock to restart the heart).
Cardiac arrest can be fatal in a matter of minutes if treatment is delayed. Unlike a heart attack, which is brought on by a blockage in the heart’s blood vessels, cardiac arrest is typically brought on by an issue with the electrical system of the heart, which results in an irregular or nonexistent heart rhythm.
In simpler words ‘CARDIAC’ means related to the heart.
CARDIAC SCIENCE
Cardiac science is the branch of medical science that focuses on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions affecting the heart and vascular system (cardiovascular system). It encompasses a wide range of disciplines and areas of research, including:
1. THE HEART'S PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY :
The heart’s chambers: Valves, and blood vessels make it up.
Function: the process of oxygenating and pumping blood throughout the body.
Electrical conduction system: How the heart keeps its rhythm is through the electrical conduction system.
2: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:
Heart Conditions Angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are examples of ischemic heart disease.
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats: Such as ventricular tachycardia or a condition known as atrial fibrillation.
Heart Failure: The heart’s incapacity to efficiently pump blood.
Congenital Heart Defects: Birth defects in the structure of the heart.
Valvular heart disease: Heart valve problems such as regurgitation or stenosis are known as valve diseases.
Hypertension: Increased blood pressure that causes problems with the heart.
3: DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
Electrocardiography (ECG): To assess heart rhythm and electrical activity.
Echocardiography: Heart ultrasound imaging.
Cardiac Stress Tests: Evaluate heart performance under stress.
Cardiac MRI and CT: Advanced imaging techniques.
Cardiac Catheterization: Examining and treating blockages or abnormalities.
4. TREATMENT OPTIONS
Medications: Antihypertensives, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, etc.
Interventional Procedures: Angioplasty, stent placement.
Surgical Interventions: Bypass surgery, valve repair or replacement.
Device Therapy: Pacemakers, defibrillators, ventricular assist devices (VADs).
MAINTAINING HEART HEALTH:
Healthy Diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods in your meals.
Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and mindfulness.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Eliminate or reduce these risk factors.
Manage Blood Pressure and Diabetes: Keep these conditions under control to protect your
RISK FACTORS
Cardiac disease includes high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of heart problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage these conditions and improve heart health.
CARDIAC SCIENCE’S GOAL
The goal of cardiac science is to fully understand heart-related illnesses, treat them properly, and increase public awareness of heart problem treatment.