ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cardiac

adj. · n.
US //ˈkɑɹdiˌæk// UK //kˈɑːdɪˌæk// car·diac
  1. 1 relating to the heart (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    related to the heart or heart health.

    pertaining to the heart as an organ or to the medical study of the heart.

    Example

    The patient was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest.

    Example

    Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining optimal cardiac health and reducing the risk of long-term cardiovascular issues.
  2. 2 relating to the stomach opening (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    related to the cardia, which is the opening where the stomach meets the throat.

    pertaining to the cardia of the stomach; often used in clinical descriptions of the upper digestive tract.

    Example

    The doctor examined the cardiac region of the stomach for signs of irritation.

    Example

    The surgeon noted a small lesion near the cardiac sphincter, necessitating a more detailed endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastric region.
    • cardial
  3. 3 a person with heart disease (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Medicine

    a person who has a heart condition or heart disease.

    a person suffering from heart disease or a chronic cardiac condition.

    Example

    The new wing of the clinic was designed specifically for the care of cardiacs.

    Example

    The study followed a group of elderly cardiacs to determine the efficacy of the new medication over a five-year period.
    • heart patient
Origin

From Middle French cardiaque, from Latin cardiacus, from Ancient Greek καρδιακός (kardiakós, “relating to the heart”), from καρδία (kardía, “heart”); by surface analysis, cardi- + -ac.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026