Extra-cardiac

Relating to or originating from outside the heart. This term is used in medical contexts to describe conditions, procedures, or structures that are not directly part of the heart itself but have an impact on or interaction with the cardiovascular system. It differentiates from 'cardiac', which specifically refers to the heart. Understanding extra-cardiac factors is crucial in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, as diseases affecting organs outside the heart can sometimes indirectly affect heart function. The prefix 'extra-' signifies 'outside of' or 'beyond'.

Extra-cardiac meaning with examples

• An extra-cardiac source of chest pain, such as esophageal spasm, can often mimic cardiac angina, leading to misdiagnosis without proper investigation. Careful differentiation is crucial.
• Pulmonary hypertension, while affecting the lungs, is considered an extra-cardiac cause of heart failure because the increased pressure impacts the right side of the heart.
• During cardiac surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which involves blood oxygenation outside of the body, maintains systemic circulation which is considered an extra-cardiac intervention.
• Inflammation from an infection outside the heart, an extra-cardiac condition, can sometimes trigger an immune response that subsequently damages heart valves or the heart muscle itself.