CRJ-700 flight crew reported that the Captain's windshield cracked just before initial descent.

Narrative

At the end phase of cruise and just before initial descent into ZZZ we received a left windshield heat caution message. Following the QRH procedure we reset the windshield heat switch. Immediately after this we heard a loud bang from the Captain's side of the windshield. We observed a significant crack in the glass; the window was fully webbed. We promptly donned our oxygen masks and informed ATC of the situation and requested an immediate descent. To minimize the risk of further damage to the windshield we reduced our airspeed to a practical level during the descent.I called the flight attendants and told them to take their seats. I informed them of the cracked windshield and that there were no pressurization issues and we would be landing in ZZZ shortly. Even though we did not initially [Request Priority Handling] ATC understood the possible severity of the situation and gave us priority handling. They gave us an expedited descent and direct vectors for a visual approach to runway XXL. Emergency vehicles were stationed near the runway and followed us to the gate as a precautionary measure. We deplaned at the gate normally after parking.Cause: The main cause of this event was mechanical; the window cracked as a result from a QRH reset procedure. Suggestions: ATC coordination; there were multiple queries from ATC during the descent that diverted our attention from critical tasks such as the descent checklist and reloading the runway in the FMS. We did get this all done but priority task management would have helped us by focusing on these areas first and telling ATC to standby until we were ready with everything.Also both of us wearing the oxygen masks can be very loud and distracting; I realized this. I did mute our mic switches occasionally when we weren't talking with one another and ATC to help mitigate extra noise.