False chord of the left ventricle of the heart. False chord of the left ventricle - is it dangerous? How does a false chord manifest itself in the cavity of the left ventricle?

An additional chord of the left ventricle is one of the anomalies in the structure of the human heart muscle. This is a collection of connective tissue that runs through the heart valve leaflet to the heart wall. There are several such additional chords in the left ventricle. The main task of such partitions is to maintain the valve in a normal state to retain blood during contraction of the heart muscle.

An abnormal chord of the left ventricle is clearly visible during ultrasound diagnostics; when making a diagnosis, the septum can be called hemodynamically significant or insignificant. In the second case, its presence does not in any way affect the functioning of the heart and human health. In the presence of significant false chords of the left ventricle, observation by a cardiologist, drug or surgical treatment, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are necessary. An additional chord in the left ventricle is considered a genetic disease that is passed from mother to child during fetal development. This is a certain failure in the formation of connective tissues. The disease is not considered fatal; it is considered a mild form of congenital heart defects that does not significantly impair the function of the organ. An abnormal chord of the left ventricle is detected during examination of a newborn; the diagnosis is the reason for constant monitoring of the child by a cardiologist.

All kinds of defects of the heart muscle, including extra septa in the cavity of the left ventricle of the heart, about half a century ago could only be detected at autopsy. Currently, this pathology can be detected by ultrasound in an unborn child. Some doctors believe that an accessory septum in the left ventricle is a normal variant. But the discovery of such formations in the right indicates the presence of a serious defect. In any case, if there are additional chords of the left ventricle, the child needs timely therapy. Otherwise, in the future he will have problems associated with the presence of abnormalities in the structure of the heart: slowing down of blood flow and heartbeat, damage to the cardiac sac due to the short length of the additional septum, ventricular overstrain, myocardial dyssynergia, and impaired cardiac function.

Causes

The causes of mild heart defects often lie in the pathological proliferation of connective tissues. It may be produced in too large a volume or present where it should not be. Because of this, a false chord of the left ventricle appears. According to histological characteristics, LVDC is divided into the following types:

• fibrous;
• muscular;
• fibromuscular.

According to the area of ​​origin, they are basal, middle and apical.

According to the direction of the fabric, additional partitions are divided into the following:

• diagonal;
• transverse;
• longitudinal.

According to the number of additional cords, left ventricular anomalies can be single or multiple.

Signs

Visible symptoms of the disease with anomalies of this type are usually absent. Single extra septa do not affect the functionality of the organ; the patient can live with them for many years and not be aware of their presence. The presence of such a defect may be suggested by the detection of a heart murmur during examination of a newborn child. The final diagnosis is made based on the results of an examination of the body in the first 3 years after birth.

Obvious signs of the disease may be:

• chest pain;
• fast or slow heartbeat;
• increased fatigue;
• general weakness;
• dizziness;
• psycho-emotional instability.

Multiple additional septa can be found both in the heart muscle and in other organs that have connective tissue: the spine, bronchi, organs of the digestive system, and the bladder.

Additional chords in the left ventricle are detected by ultrasound of the heart; when examining children under one month old, this method is replaced by ECHO-CG. The information content of such a study is quite high; the procedure does not cause much discomfort to the child. ECHO-CG allows you to monitor the work of the heart in real time. Dopplerography allows you to determine the size of the false chord, its density and location.

Treatment options

If the disease is asymptomatic, treatment is not required. A person should visit a cardiologist at least once a year and undergo regular heart ultrasounds.

If the heart defect has obvious signs, the patient needs medical treatment.

Find out your risk level for heart attack or stroke

Take a free online test from experienced cardiologists

Testing time no more than 2 minutes

7 simple
questions

94% accuracy
test

10 thousand successful
testing

Twice a year for a month you need to take vitamins B1, B2 and PP. These substances nourish and strengthen the heart muscles. Magnesium and potassium preparations can be different, each of them contains a certain amount of active ingredients. Only a cardiologist can choose the right drug for you. Antioxidants restore impaired metabolism in muscle tissue. Nootropics are prescribed if there are signs of neurocirculatory dystonia.

Non-drug treatment methods include special exercises, hardening, a special diet, and long leisurely walks in the fresh air. A large number of fibers of additional septa or their transverse position may be an indication for urgent hospitalization and examination of the patient. In some cases, surgical intervention is performed - excision of excess partitions or their removal by cryodestruction.

It is very difficult to determine in advance how the presence of additional chords will affect the further functioning of the heart. Typically, this pathology does not cause significant harm to health. If structural changes do not disrupt the functioning of the heart muscle, specific treatment will not be required. Constant observation by a cardiologist, taking the necessary medications, maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the basic rules that the patient must follow.

Anomalies in the development of the cardiovascular system (together with defects of the gastrointestinal tract) are the most common. Thus, an additional left ventricular chord (LVAC) can occur in 8-9% of the population.

Chordae in the heart are connective tissue “threads” that connect the valve flaps between the ventricles and atria with the muscle trabeculae of the former. In the left half of the heart, this is the mitral, and the right part is separated by the tricuspid.

An additional chord is considered to be a cord from the trabeculae to the valves, existing in excess of their normal number. More than 94-95% of all cases occur in the left ventricle. Therefore, further discussion will be about its additional chord.

Kinds

Classification of additional chords is carried out according to several criteria:

• quantity;
• tissue structure;
• places of their attachment;
• nature of the location.

The quantitative criterion divides all additional strands into two groups. These are single chords (there is one abnormal “thread”) and multiple (two or more). In the first case, it is often located separately from normal fibers. With the second option, it is possible to place them either separately or between normal cords.

Based on the nature of the tissue from which these anomalies are formed, several groups can be distinguished.

1. Connective tissue. Occurs in most cases. They are cords consisting entirely of elastin fibers and primary collagen.
2. Tendon chords. Consist only of secondary collagen fibers.
3. Muscular. Normal muscle growths.
4. Mixed chords. They contain various components of muscle and connective tissue. Among other anomalies, they are rare.

There can be three places for attachment of anomalous chords. The most common is the apex of the heart. In the left ventricle, this is the part of the cavity farthest from the valve. The option of attaching to one of the walls is possible. Basal fixation of abnormal chordae is very rare. When it (they) are fastened at one end in the area of ​​the septum separating the ventricle from the atrium.

The nature of the location of the anomalies can be either parallel to the normal strands or different from their direction. If the LVDP deviates no more than 25-35 degrees, it is said to be oblique or diagonal. When the angle is more than 40 (even 90) – the chord is in a transverse position.

Why does it occur

The reason for the development of anomalies is associated with deviations in genes located on the X chromosomes. The more of them, the greater the likelihood of developing an accessory chord in a child.

Important! The trait is transmitted through the maternal line in 90%, and through the paternal line in 10%.

It is not the chord itself that is inherited, but the factors that cause it. Even in the first months of the baby’s intrauterine development, additional tissue is laid down. During the formation of the interventricular septum, “extra” tissue often becomes part of it. A child with a hereditary history of heart abnormalities is born without LVDC. But the action of a number of factors during pregnancy contributes to the fact that the “excess” tissue degenerates into an additional chord. This:

• bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
• use of certain medications (ACE inhibitors);
• stress;
• viral diseases.

In the presence of such chronic diseases as diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, there is a risk of developing an accessory chord even without heredity.

Features of the pathology

The development of the anomaly occurs in the fetus during the prenatal period, and by the time of birth it is already formed. Due to the fact that it does not affect hemodynamics, it is almost always detected by chance. Only a small part (this applies to transversely located muscular and mixed chords) can have negative consequences for the work of the heart and all hemodynamics.

The peculiarity of the false chord in childhood is its incomplete development. But the situation should be constantly monitored by parents (they should not miss the first warning signs) and the local doctor. In the first year, a false chord of the left ventricle in a child cannot be eliminated without surgery, but its development can be influenced.

Only a hemodynamically significant abnormal chord can “make itself known.” This can be seen from the following signs:

• discomfort in the chest (but the newborn baby will not be able to report pain);
• high fatigue and poor exercise tolerance;
• frequent attacks of heartbeat;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• changes in psycho-emotional behavior (most often the baby becomes whiny and irritable, and the teenager may become withdrawn).

The doctor may suspect the presence of an abnormal chord due to one more sign - a murmur on auscultation of the heart.

Treatment

An additional chord in the left ventricle is corrected only if there is a negative effect on the functioning of the heart. The most radical method is surgical intervention. There must be compelling reasons to carry it out.

• Uncorrectable rhythm disturbances associated with an abnormal chord. This is especially true for young people and children.
• Rapidly progressive heart failure due to accessory chordae.

Surgical treatment is possible in two options. This is either cryodestruction or its excision. The first type is carried out with a single cord that has its own blood vessels. Removal is necessary in all other cases.

If there is no indication for surgery, the following measures are recommended for everyone (especially children):

1. Observation by a cardiologist with echocardiography at least once a year until the age of 18. Every 2 years – for young people and up to 40-45 years old.
2. Maintaining proper diet.
3. Dosed loads. Simply put, the right combination of work and rest.
4. Hardening and general strengthening measures.
5. Get proper rest and sleep at least 7-8 hours every night.

The issue of non-professional sports can only be resolved together with a doctor. Sports at the professional level are not recommended by cardiologists. If there are no signs of hemodynamic disturbances, it is allowed to engage in all types of physical activity, with a few exceptions. All types of strength sports and high cardio loads are contraindicated - the additional chord of the left ventricle of the heart can increase its effect on the functioning of the organ.

Consequences

Abnormal cords that did not cause hemodynamic disturbances in childhood and adolescence never lead to a worsening of the condition in adults. But the additional chords, which somehow made themselves felt in children, deserve close attention at any age. They can be the cause of a number of heart diseases. Any such chord requires lifelong monitoring with constant adherence to the following rules:

• Rational mode of labor activity. All loads must be well tolerated.
• Get proper rest at night and during the day (as fatigue appears).
• A periodic course of medications aimed at maintaining the functioning of the heart (pantogam, asparkam, cytochrome, magnesium preparations and vitamins PP, group B).

Full life activity can be possible in any situation if all recommendations were followed on time, according to Dr. Komarovsky. The accessory chord in the cavity of the left ventricle completes its development in the first 10 years of life.

The tendinous chords, or tendinous filaments in the cavity of the left ventricle, are connective tissue formations represented by a thin fiber attached on one side to the fleshy trabeculae in the wall of the left ventricle, and to the leaflets of the mitral or bicuspid valve, on the other.

The function of these threads is to provide a connective tissue framework inside the heart and to support the valve leaflets to prevent it from sagging into the cavity of the left ventricle (LV). When the ventricular myocardium relaxes, the chords tighten, the valve opens, allowing a portion of blood to pass from the atrium into the ventricle at the moment of diastole (relaxation) of the latter. When the ventricular myocardium contracts, the chords, like springs, relax, and the valve leaflets close, preventing the reverse flow of blood into the atrium and facilitating the correct release of a portion of blood into the aorta at the time of ventricular systole (contraction).

chords and trabeculae in the structure of the heart

Sometimes during the period of intrauterine development, for various reasons, not several chords are formed, as usual, but one or more additional threads.

If both ends of the thread are fixed, we are talking about a true chord, and if one end is not attached to the valve leaflet, but hangs freely in the cavity of the left ventricle, we are talking about a false additional or accessory chord of the left ventricle.

As a rule, one additional chord is found; multiple ones are less common. In relation to the longitudinal axis of the LV, longitudinally, diagonally and transversely located chords are distinguished. In most cases, such formations do not have a negative effect on the flow of blood through the chambers of the heart, therefore, they are considered hemodynamically insignificant formations. However, in the case of a transverse location of the ectopic (that is, located in the wrong place) chord relative to the cavity of the left ventricle, its presence can provoke type heart rhythm disturbances.

Recently, the frequency of recording additional chords in the heart has increased, mainly due to an increase in the number of examinations performed in the neonatal period, according to new standards of examination of children under one month of age. That is, such chords do not appear clinically, and if the child had not undergone echocardioscopy, the parents might not have known that the child had an abnormally located chord in the heart.

Diagnosis of “additional trabecula of the left ventricle” in the vocabulary of doctors, ultrasound diagnostics is actually equivalent to the concept of an additional chord. Although, as mentioned above, from the point of view of anatomy, the trabecula is a separate formation that continues the notochord.

Causes

Accessory chordae are classified as minor anomalies of the heart (MACD)– these are conditions that arise in the fetus during the prenatal period and are represented by a violation of the structure of the internal structures of the heart. In addition to the additional chord, MARS also includes.

The development of an additional chord is caused, first of all, by heredity, especially on the mother’s side, as well as exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions, bad habits of the mother, stress, malnutrition and concomitant somatic pathology of the pregnant woman.

The occurrence of MARS may be caused by a disease such as connective tissue dysplasia is a hereditary pathology characterized by “weakness” of connective tissue in the heart, joints, skin and ligaments. Therefore, if a child has several heart abnormalities, the doctor should rule out dysplasia.

Symptoms of accessory chord

As a rule, the accessory chord does not manifest itself in any way throughout a person’s life. This is observed in most cases when the anomaly is not accompanied by connective tissue dysplasia and is represented by a single thread.

If a child has several chords identified by ultrasound of the heart, which also occupy a transverse position in the heart, it is quite possible that cardiac complaints may occur during periods of intensive growth of the child, as well as during puberty and pregnancy. These include weakness, fatigue with chest pain, accompanied by a feeling of palpitations and a feeling of lack of air, pallor. In some cases, such chords can provoke the appearance of the patient.

In the case when the occurrence of MARS is caused by dysplasia syndrome, the corresponding symptoms are characteristic– high growth of the child, thinness, hypermobility of joints, frequent dislocations of joints, deformation of the spine and ribs, structural abnormalities in other organs (prolapse of the kidney, dilation of the renal pelvis, deformation of the gallbladder, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and other anomalies in their various combinations).

Diagnostics

Usually the additional notochord is an “incidental” finding when performing echocardioscopy on a child aged one month or a little later. Currently, all babies at this age should undergo a cardiac ultrasound to identify undiagnosed ones immediately after birth and as a routine examination of the child. Therefore, even for parents of a healthy baby, a doctor’s conclusion about the presence of a chord in the heart may be a complete surprise. However, in the absence of other significant pathology, such children are considered practically healthy by pediatricians and do not require close monitoring by a cardiologist.

If the chord in the heart is combined with another pathology of the heart and blood vessels, the child should be observed by a pediatric cardiologist. In this case, the examination of the baby will include, if necessary, an ECG with physical activity at an older age, and daily monitoring of ECG and blood pressure in the presence of heart rhythm disturbances. For adult patients with ectopic chord, the observation plan is the same with examinations performed once a year or more often if indicated.

Is treatment of additional chord required?

If a child has an abnormal chord in the heart, and the baby does not have other significant cardiac diseases, there is no need to treat this condition.

In cases where functional disorders of the cardiovascular system are observed at an older age, which do not cause hemodynamic disorders, development due to the inability of the heart muscle to contract correctly, and also do not lead to, it is possible to prescribe medications that support and nourish the myocardium. The use of potassium and magnesium supplements is justified (magnerot, magnevist, panangin, asparkam), B vitamins, antioxidants ( Actovegin, Mildronate, Mexidol and etc). The prescription of complex vitamin preparations is also indicated.

If the patient has significant cardiac dysfunction, taking medications such as diuretics, antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics and other groups of drugs is indicated. Fortunately, indications for this in the case of abnormal chordae in the heart are extremely rare.

Lifestyle

There is no need to follow a specific lifestyle for a child with an additional chord. A balanced diet with fortified foods, long walks in the fresh air, as well as regular physical activity is enough. It makes no sense to limit a child’s participation in physical education or sports. A child can actively run, jump and perform all those physical activities acceptable for his age and practiced in the educational institution he attends. Swimming, figure skating and hockey are welcome.

Regarding preventive vaccinations according to the national calendar, we can say that an additional chord of honey. is not a diversion, and the baby can be vaccinated according to age.

As the child grows up and enters the difficult period of puberty, it is important giving up bad habits and following the principles of a healthy lifestyle. In case of any age-related manifestations of the heart and blood vessels (sweating, fatigue, tachycardia, shortness of breath), the teenager should be shown to a cardiologist and, if necessary, take the above-mentioned drugs or inject them.

Pregnancy for girls with an additional chord is, of course, not contraindicated. In the case of the presence of several of the congenital heart anomalies, it is recommended to conduct an ultrasound of the heart during gestation and observation by a cardiologist.

Serving in the army is not contraindicated for young men. A disqualification from the army is the patient's development of heart failure, which, again, is rare with an additional chord.

A few words should be given to the nutrition of children and adults with structural or functional disorders of the heart. If possible, you should avoid eating fatty, fried, salty and smoked foods. Preference should be given to fresh vegetables and fruits, natural juices, fermented milk products and low-fat fish. The consumption of red and black caviar, dried apricots, raisins, tomatoes, carrots, bananas and potatoes, rich in substances beneficial to the heart muscle, is encouraged. In addition, your daily diet should include cereal products, for example, various cereals for breakfast. Of course, you should protect your child from eating chips, canned soda and various fast food dishes, as this can lead to obesity, and excess weight will have an extremely adverse effect on the condition of the heart muscle and vascular walls in the future.

Among the anomalies associated with the functioning of the heart, one of the most common diseases is false chord of the left ventricle. Its detection, as a rule, causes fear and apprehension, but, as it turns out, such a phenomenon is not yet a reason to panic.

What is an anomaly

In order to clearly understand what a false chord in the heart is, and whether it can pose a danger to life, let us briefly consider the structure of this organ.

The heart has 4 chambers: the right atrium and the left atrium, the right and left ventricle. From the atria, blood flows into the ventricles; valves regulate blood flow (they open and close in accordance with the heartbeat cycle). In order for them to be mobile, tendon threads (chords) are provided. They are attached to the valve on one side and to the walls of the heart on the other. The threads contract and tighten the valve - it opens, the threads relax and release the valve - it closes.

During the intrauterine development of the fetus, it may happen that a thread-like fibrous structure is formed, which is characterized by an atypical attachment to the walls of the ventricle - this anomaly is called a false chord. In most cases, it is located in the left ventricle, and much less often in the right.

All chords in direction are divided into:

• longitudinal;
• diagonal;
• transverse.

In the case when the false chord of the left ventricle of the heart is located longitudinally and diagonally, it does not pose any harm to the body, because in this position it cannot interfere with blood flow. If there is a transverse attachment, then this may affect the functioning of the myocardium.

Reasons for the anomaly

The causes of false chord of the left ventricle are still in the process of detailed study, but the main factor has already been identified and proven - heredity. Most often, the phenomenon is transmitted through the maternal line; the first risk group is children whose mothers suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system.

In addition, uterine anomalies can lead to:

• adverse environmental impacts;
• smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy;
• weak maternal immunity;
• unbalanced diet;
• fetal infection;
• unbalanced psycho-emotional state.

What symptoms are characteristic of the anomaly?

This phenomenon does not have any characteristic external symptoms; many people do not suspect its existence for years, because in most cases, the presence of this anomaly does not affect the quality of life.

The only thing that will help you pay attention to a false chord (as well as a blockade of the pedicles) is to listen to systolic murmurs, which do not occur in a healthy organ.

Usually, this anomaly is detected immediately after the birth of a newborn, but there are exceptions, and noises are not audible. In this case, after some time some changes in the general condition may be observed:

• weakness, high fatigue during physical activity;
• the appearance of fairly distinct heart contractions;
• pain in the chest area.

Also, one can note the connection between false chord and heart blocks - if they are present, disruptions in heart rhythms are observed.

Methods of diagnostic examination and treatment

During auscultation (listening), the patient is prescribed a consultation with a cardiologist and examination in the form of:

• taking an electrocardiogram (ECG);
• ultrasound examination.

False chord of the left ventricle in a child is almost always safe and does not require specific treatment (for example, medications or surgery). This abnormality may not be a cause for concern, but those who have it are sure to visit a cardiologist periodically, undergo recommended examinations and follow some rules for living with a heart abnormality.

Prescription of medications can be done if any symptoms and ailments bother the patient. Most often, vitamins are prescribed, the purpose of which is to improve the nutrition of the layers of muscle tissue of the organ, and potassium and magnesium are also prescribed. If you need to regulate metabolism in cells, then antioxidants are used.

In rare cases, if there is a transverse false chord in the cavity of the left ventricle, additional examination is performed and cryodestruction (the so-called cold treatment method) or surgery to excise the anomaly may be prescribed.

Attention! If a false chord in a child’s heart still requires medical intervention, then it is very important to choose a specialized cardiology clinic with modern, high-tech equipment.

How to support the body if a heart abnormality is detected

On the question of what should be the life activity of a person who has been diagnosed with a false chord of the left ventricle, doctors give the following recommendations.

There is no need to exclude physical activity, because it helps improve health, but it is very important to distribute it correctly. If a child wants to engage in dancing or sports (with the condition - not professionally), it is better to make some restrictions. For example, it is not advisable to take it to the boxing section or weightlifting. You should not get involved in scuba diving, diving, parachute jumping, or mountaineering.

Physical therapy exercises using a hoop, ball, wall bars are recommended; sports and dance walking, rope climbing, crawling, and running are allowed. Such classes can be conducted independently or in special groups.

If a false chord is detected in a child, it is necessary to provide him with a complete, balanced diet, with a maximum content of vitamins (especially group B) and minerals (focus on potassium and magnesium).

Equally important is a calm and balanced psycho-emotional state, the absence of stress and nervous experiences. Walking in the fresh air has a beneficial effect on health.

Article publication date: 04/05/2017

Article updated date: 12/18/2018

In this article you will learn: an additional chord of the left ventricle - what it is, what the presence of such an anomaly of heart development entails. Diagnostic methods, issues of the need for treatment and the rules of life for a person with this pathology will also be discussed.

The LV accessory chord (abbreviated as LVAD) is an abnormal connective tissue cord that runs from the trabeculae (muscular elevations) of the left ventricle to the mitral valve.

This disease is included in the group of minor anomalies of cardiac development (MARS). Typically, these deviations are not accompanied by any significant symptoms or disorders and do not require treatment.

A patient diagnosed with LVDC should be seen by a cardiologist. In exceptional cases, there may be a need for surgical treatment of the heart.

It is impossible to rid a patient of the pathology without surgery, but most adolescents “outgrow” this condition without consequences for health.

This pathology is dealt with by a cardiologist.

Structure of the heart

The human heart is the most important life-support organ. Its smooth operation pumps blood through the vessels, providing nutrition and oxygen to all organs and tissues. This is a muscular fibrous organ, the heart muscle (myocardium) is divided into 4 chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles.

The blood in the left and right halves normally never mixes. To ensure blood flow in the desired direction, connecting plates - valves - are located between the atria, ventricles and vessels: mitral (tricuspid) on the left and tricuspid (bicuspid) on the right.

In a relaxed state (in diastole), the valves open and blood flows from one chamber to another. Then contraction (systole) occurs, and blood is released into the vessels: from the left ventricle - into the aorta and further to the organs, blood rich in oxygen flows; from the right - into the pulmonary artery, to the lungs, saturated with carbon dioxide.

To maintain the elasticity of the valves and create a strong frame, connective tissue cords - chords - extend from the muscular elevations (trabeculae) in the ventricles to the valves. They prevent the valves from opening during systole.

In some cases, a person develops an extra thread in utero. This is called an additional chord. In 95% they are formed in the left ventricle.

Causes of pathology

There is a genetic predisposition to an accessory left ventricular chord. It is usually transmitted from mother to fetus, and in less than 10% of cases it is inherited from the father.

An abnormal chord in the left ventricle is formed in utero; a child is already born with this anomaly; it cannot arise during life.

The formation of such anomalies in the ventricular cavity during the intrauterine development of the embryo and the formation of the heart (this is 5–6 weeks of pregnancy) can also be influenced by external factors:

• unfavorable environmental conditions;
• work in hazardous production;
• bad habits of the mother during the development of connective tissue in the fetus.

More often a single additional chord is formed. Multiple threads are rarely formed.

Classification: types of chords

Longitudinal and diagonal usually have no effect on the blood flow pattern. Transverse ones sometimes interfere with blood flow and can cause rhythm disturbances in adult life.

Characteristic symptoms

In most cases, the anomaly does not manifest itself in any way in early childhood.

As the child grows, when the internal organs “do not keep up” with the growth of the body, nonspecific symptoms may appear:

1. Chest pain.
2. Dizziness, fainting.
3. Increased fatigue.
4. Distracted attention.
5. Heartbeat disorders.
6. Instability of blood pressure.

The same signs are characteristic of multiple chords in the ventricular cavity or the formation of cardiac dysfunction.

Also, an additional chord in the cavity of the left ventricle may be accompanied by other manifestations of connective tissue deficiency:

• pathological joint mobility;
• kidney prolapse;
• megaureter (stricture of the ureter above its entrance to the bladder, due to which it expands higher);
• diaphragmatic hernia;
• reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus;
• poor posture.

In adulthood, if the additional chord is preserved or located transversely, the following may join:

• tachycardia;
• arrhythmia;
• endocardial damage;
• impaired ventricular relaxation.

These developed consequences should be corrected by a cardiologist.

Diagnostic methods

Without special research methods, it is difficult to detect the presence of chords in the ventricular cavity. Sometimes, when examined by a pediatrician or therapist, a noise may be heard that occurs during contraction of the heart muscle.

There are usually no changes during an ECG. In rare cases, shortening of intervals may be observed. Significant disturbances are visible with the development of arrhythmia.

The main method for diagnosing anomalies is EchoCG - ultrasound examination of the heart. Additional examination with Doppler scanning allows you to determine the location, thickness, length of the abnormal thread, the place of its attachment, and assess the speed of blood flow above it.

Sometimes a cardiologist prescribes Holter ECG monitoring - a 24-hour ECG. A small device is attached to the patient’s body, which records an ECG throughout the day. This method allows you to determine whether the abnormal chorda affects blood flow (hemodynamics). If the pathology does not affect blood flow, no treatment is required, and the person is under medical supervision by a cardiologist. If hemodynamic disturbances are detected, the cardiologist prescribes treatment.

When is treatment needed?

Cannot be cured with medications. Only the presence in a patient with such a pathology of blood flow disturbances caused by the chord, rhythm changes and other abnormalities require drug treatment.

Medicines used:

• vitamins B, PP - to improve myocardial nutrition;
• magnesium and potassium preparations - to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
• L-carnitine – in courses to enhance metabolic processes in the heart muscle;
• nootropic drugs – for unstable blood pressure, vegetative-vascular dystonia.

In case of rhythm disturbances, antiarrhythmic treatment is carried out.

In extreme cases, when the anomaly provokes severe complications (endocarditis,), cardiac surgery is used:

1. Cryodestruction of the chord is destruction by cold.
2. Excision of the chord.

Inpatient treatment is indicated if complications develop.

Possible complications

In rare cases, cardiac complications may develop:

Rules of life

If a child has an additional chord, this does not make him sick. Parents’ fears due to the presence of a “vice” can lead to the isolation of the child from “possible difficulties” - but by doing so, parents, wanting to protect their baby, hinder his socialization and make him sick themselves.

Still, there are some restrictions - you cannot engage in professional sports with high physical activity.

The rules of behavior for a person with an additional chord in the cavity of the left ventricle are simple; compliance with them will help to avoid complications:

1. Observe the work and rest schedule.
2. Get good sleep, sleep at least 8 hours a night.
3. Eat a balanced diet.
4. Avoid eating fatty, fried and fast food.
5. Do therapeutic exercises and hardening.
6. Avoid stressful situations.
7. Avoid heavy physical activity.
8. Get an annual strengthening massage.
9. Take medications after consultation with your doctor.
10. Have a medical examination and examination by a cardiologist every year.

It is useful for a child with an additional chord of the left ventricle to attend clubs and sections. The choice of a sports section should be made after consultation with a cardiologist, taking into account the desires and abilities of the child. Suitable for this child:

• ballroom dancing;
• athletics (non-professional);
• exercises on the Swedish wall;
• tourism and hiking over short distances.

It is also worth protecting your child from extreme activities associated with danger, risk, and adrenaline rush:

• Skydiving;
• diving;
• rooms of fear.

Having such a diagnosis is not a disqualification from military service. A young man with the development of complications such as persistent arrhythmias or cardiovascular failure is not subject to conscription.

Girls are allowed pregnancy and spontaneous childbirth, in the absence of obstetric indications otherwise.

Prognosis and prevention

Measures to prevent the development of chordae in the cavities of the heart have not been developed. At the present stage of development of medicine, doctors have not learned to change the human genetic code.

However, a pregnant woman should give up bad habits, especially smoking, avoid contact with harmful chemicals, and eat right.

In most cases, the prognosis for additional left ventricular chord is favorable. With age, the human body adapts to the presence of the anomaly, and it does not manifest itself in any way and does not bother.

The prognosis is somewhat less favorable with multiple chords in the ventricle and with a transverse arrangement of the filaments.