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Infarct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infarct

[หˆษชn.fษ‘หrk.t ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

An infarct is a localized area of tissue death (necrosis) due to a lack of blood supply. This occurs when an artery supplying blood to the tissue becomes blocked. Infarcts can occur in various organs, including the heart (myocardial infarction) and the brain (cerebral infarction). Symptoms depend on the location and extent of the infarct but often include pain, swelling, and dysfunction of the affected organ. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Synonyms

ischemia, necrosis, tissue death.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor diagnosed him with a heart infarct.
  • After the stroke, the patient experienced an infarct in the brain.
  • They monitored the tissue for any signs of infarct.
  • An infarct can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Science

  • Infarcts are most commonly associated with heart attacks, where blood flow to the heart is occluded, leading to tissue damage.
  • Other types of infarcts can occur in the brain (known as strokes), lungs, or kidneys, each affecting organ function differently.
  • The severity of an infarct is often linked to the size and location of the affected area, which impacts recovery and treatment options.

Pop Culture

  • Infarcts have been depicted in medical dramas, often highlighting intense hospital scenes where quick decisions save patientsโ€™ lives.
  • Documentaries about health emphasize the importance of understanding conditions leading to infarcts to improve public awareness of heart health.

Psychology

  • The psychological impact of experiencing or witnessing a heart attack (associated with an infarct) can lead to anxiety and fear about health in individuals.
  • Individuals who have experienced an infarct often report changes in lifestyle and stress management, showing the mind-body connection during recovery.

Literature

  • In literature, moments of crisis or critical health episodes often symbolize a character's emotional struggles, paralleling the physical trauma of an infarct.
  • Authors may use medical metaphors involving infarcts to discuss themes of loss or decay within a narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of their writing.

Origin of 'infarct'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'infarctus,' which means 'to stuff in or pack,' reflecting how tissue becomes blocked.
  • Its usage in medicine can be traced back to the late 19th century, highlighting how language evolves with scientific discoveries.

The term 'infarct' comes from the late 19th century, derived from the Latin word 'infarctus,' which means 'stuffed' or 'filled in.' This in turn comes from the verb 'infarcire,' meaning 'to stuff or to fill in.' It was used in medical contexts to describe a condition where a tissue is inadequately perfused and thus undergoes necrosis due to ischemia. The word became more widely recognized in the medical community with the advancements in cardiology and neurology, where conditions like myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction became prevalent topics of study. The understanding of infarcts has evolved significantly, especially with the development of imaging technology and treatments that target blood flow restoration.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,416, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.