HealthSeptember 1, 2026

postacute

pohst-uh-KYOOT

Definition

Referring to the period of recovery or ongoing medical care immediately following a severe or sudden medical event, such as a heart attack.

Etymology

The word is formed by combining the Latin prefix 'post-', meaning 'after', with 'acute', which derives from the Latin 'acutus', meaning 'sharp' or 'severe'.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe patient groups recovering from coronary syndromes, highlighting that mindfulness programs can be effective during this delicate phase of cardiac recovery.

Mindfulness may lower blood pressure in just 8 weeks

Read the full article ↗

Science Daily

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