He later discovers Joshua's death could have been prevented: a company had found a cure for his condition, but did not distribute the medicine due to it not being "profitable".

Motivated to battle corporate greed, Elias replaces his heart with a beta-particle reactor which supplies energy through a vibranium weave mesh under his skin.

This energy, channeled through his muscles, increases his physical abilities and can be fired through his fists or the power staff he wields.

[4] Cardiac next destroys the house and property of Albert Brukner, a corrupt Savings & Loan broker, and then attacks a subsidiary of Stane International that manufactured dangerous electronic dolls for children.

[5] He invades Stane International itself to destroy designs for a sonic missile that produces the effects of nerve gas.

[10] Elias was listed as a "potential recruit" for the Initiative program, according to Civil War: Battle Damage Report.

He wields his pulse staff which fires concussive force bolts in a distinctive pulse-like energy signature, and rides a beta-propelled stingray hang-glider, which were both invented by Wirtham and his associates.

[13] Elias Wirtham's business administrative skills provide him a strong power base with a number of connections to various enterprises.