Left cardiac ventricle hypertrophy: a dangerous symptom complex. Excessive physical activity. Differences between different types of LVH

Cardiac surgeon

Higher education:

Cardiac surgeon

Kabardino-Balkarian State University them. HM. Berbekova, Faculty of Medicine (KBSU)

Level of education - Specialist

Additional education:

Certification cycle for the Clinical Cardiology program

Moscow Medical Academy named after. THEM. Sechenov

Our heart needs chords so that the heart valve does not bend during contraction. With the help of the chordae, normal hemodynamics of the heart valve and its ability to hold blood are possible. What do these same chords look like? These are a kind of springs that have the structure of a muscle.

It is logical to conclude that every organ, and even micro organ, plays some role in our body. Chord is also no exception. But sometimes violations happen. Some of them become visible immediately after a person’s birth, others a little later. For example, have you heard about the possible existence of an additional chord? If your child has been diagnosed with additional chords of the left ventricle, you should look into this problem and make sure whether everything is really that serious.

Is the presence of additional chords in a child’s heart really dangerous?

An additional chord may appear during the intrauterine formation of the fetus. If we talk about what it is, LVDC in children, then the additional chord looks like a thread-like cord of connective tissue. Sometimes the LVDC may have muscle or tendon fibers.

As a rule, accessory chords can be identified in a child shortly after his birth or before he reaches adulthood. But, since this anomaly manifests itself weakly or almost neutrally, most people may not even be aware of their diagnosis. A person can learn about this structural feature of his heart only after a thorough professional examination. medical examination or as a result of treatment for a completely different disease that worries him much more.

If you think that by doing a heart cardiogram, you will get answers to all your questions, then you are mistaken. No ECG can make a detailed diagnosis about the structure of your child's heart.

How to determine the condition of the chords in the left ventricle?

Only a specialized ECHO-CG can reveal whether your children have cardiac congestion, what it is and what to do next with it. But even this analysis will not be accurate enough without additional ultrasound examination. Both of these examination methods will help to accurately determine whether there is accessory chord the child or not.

How should parents behave after they hear that their baby has accessory chords in the heart? Of course, it is important to have information on this issue and know which specialist to contact in this case. Further we'll talk about the reason why such a cardiac anomaly may occur.

Is this a hereditary anomaly?

The hereditary factor plays an important role in this case. It is interesting to know that additional chords are transmitted for the most part not from the father, but from mother to child. this is confirmed by statistics. In 92% of cases, the baby gets accessory chords of the left ventricle of the heart from the mother. Only occasionally is the father the “initiator” of this particular feature of the child’s development. An anomaly of extra chords appears even during the formation of the fetus in the mother’s stomach. The cause is a violation of the development of connective tissue. So, if you are aware that there are extra chords in your left ventricle, examine your child as early as possible.

In addition, such disruptions in the baby’s development can be affected by bad ecology and excessive stress of the mother during pregnancy. And if future mommy If he also smokes, the risk of developing cardiac anomalies in a child increases even more.

A type of extra chords

The structure of the accessory chord may vary. It can be either fibrous, fibromuscular or simply muscular. Also, connective tissue fibers can have different vectors. These fibers can be longitudinal, transverse or diagonal.

In addition, the chord is sometimes fixed as apical, median, or basal. Filiform cords come in both singular and plural forms.

How to recognize an anomaly of the accessory chord in a child?

Even a pediatrician can detect an abnormality in the structure of the heart. When he auscultates the baby's heart, he should hear a systolic murmur. This noise is heard on the left side of the chest between the third and fourth rib. At the same time, the heart rhythm works without failures. Although the very name of the anomaly “additional chord of the left ventricle” sounds ominous, in fact the child often does not feel any discomfort. ECG may show normal

Characteristic symptoms of minor anomaly of the left ventricle of the heart

The additional chord is not characterized by any special symptoms. Perhaps with age the anomaly will begin to manifest itself. And this usually happens during adolescence. During this period, the child develops intensively, which sometimes becomes a problem for the heart. While musculoskeletal system growing “by leaps and bounds”, internal organs cannot keep up. And here the accessory chord of the left ventricle of the heart begins to show itself. In this case, the teenager may experience the following symptoms:

• My head is spinning;
• Weakness and lethargy;
• High cardiac level;
• Irregularities in heart rhythm;
• My heart hurts;

There are cases when, after a period of growing up, higher listed symptoms disappear. But sometimes external manifestations cardiac abnormalities affect a person's entire life.

How to treat an accessory chord of the left ventricle in a child?

The treatment process depends entirely on the child’s well-being. If the child or teenager does not experience any of the symptoms listed above, then only periodic dispensary observation from a cardiologist.

But if the anomaly bothers a young patient, constant monitoring is required. Perhaps the cardiologist will recommend observing certain restrictions and prescribe treatment.

• Encourage your baby to alternate and stick to the routine. active work and rest;
• Monitor your diet and quality of nutrition;
• Take your child to physical therapy classes;
• Temper your baby;
• Make sure your child is often outside;
• Limit your children from stressful situations;
• Get enough sleep;
• Don't let your toddler or teen engage in strenuous or forceful sports;
• Don't give it to your baby medical supplies without coordinating their appointment with the attending physician:
• Talk to your cardiologist or pediatrician about extracurricular activities.

Conclusion

The excess chord itself is not a disease. Do not be alarmed if your child is diagnosed with this anomaly. Surgical intervention is not provided in this particular case.

It happens that pathology extra chord in the left ventricle leads to the appearance or development of other heart diseases.

But there is no point in talking about something like this in advance. Periodically see your child with your doctor and monitor his lifestyle.

LVH is a specific lesion of the heart, in which it increases in size and becomes more susceptible to any changes. Hypertrophy mainly affects the myocardium, the strongest muscle of the heart wall, making contractions difficult, as a result of which the risk of developing other diseases increases.

What is left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart?

Cardiac hypertrophy, or, in other words, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is a thickening of the wall of the left ventricle of the heart, which leads to malfunction of the aortic valve. The problem is common among patients with hypertension, as well as athletes, people leading sedentary lifestyle life, dependent on alcohol and those who have inherited a tendency to pathology.

Myocardial hypertension of the left ventricles of the heart belongs to class 9 on the ICD 10 scale, along with other diseases of the circulatory system. This pathology is mainly a syndrome of other heart diseases, indirect signs which it manifests. In order to prevent possible problems in the future, it is necessary to intensively treat the hypertrophied organ in a timely manner, immediately after pathologies are detected.

Degrees of left ventricular hypertrophy

Depending on the signs of LVH and the size of the deformed muscle tissue, several stages of the development of the disease can be distinguished:

Moderate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) occurs as a consequence of hypertension or other heart disease. This seemingly insignificant increase signals an overload of the heart and that the risk of myocardial diseases (heart attack, stroke) for the patient increases. It often occurs without any symptoms and is detected only by ECG analysis. If the left ventricle is enlarged, it is necessary to be treated with the help of specialists, preferably in an inpatient setting.

Severe LVH is characterized by dystrophic changes in which the mitral valve is located close to the surface of the septum and interferes with blood flow, causing excessive muscle tension and stress on the left ventricle.

Enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart - causes

The causes of hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart can be varied, including both chronic and acquired diseases of different parts of the body:

• hypertension;
• obesity: the development of the disease is very dangerous in young children with excess weight;
• ischemia;
• diabetes;
• arrhythmia, atherosclerosis;
• frequent excessive physical exercise;
• alcoholism, smoking;
• high blood pressure;
• lung diseases;
• aortic stenosis;
• disturbances in the functioning of the mitral valve;
• stress, psychological illness, nervous exhaustion.

The development of the body in a child can occur with disruption of the processes of myocardial repolarization and, as a result, an increase in the walls of the ventricle. If such a situation arises, it must be prevented, and then monitored on a regular basis throughout adulthood and prevent progression. Regular exercise can naturally lead to expansion of the heart, while work associated with lifting weights is potential threat systolic overload, so you should normalize your physical activity and monitor your health.

Another indirect cause is sleep disturbance, in which a person stops breathing for a short period of time. It can be observed in women during menopause or in older people and entails consequences such as expansion of the diameter of the heart vessels, growth of the septum and walls of the heart, increased blood pressure, and arrhythmia.

Signs of left ventricular hypertrophy

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy are not always obvious, and people are often unaware that there is a problem. If the fetus does not develop properly during pregnancy, there may be a congenital defect and hypertrophy of the left side of the heart. Such cases must be observed from birth and complications should not be allowed. But if there are periodic interruptions in the heart's function and a person feels any of these signs, the walls of the ventricle may be abnormal. The symptoms of this problem are:

• labored breathing;
• weakness, fatigue;
• chest pain;
• low heart rate;
• swelling of the face in the afternoon;
• disturbed sleep: insomnia or excessive sleepiness;
• headache.

Types of left ventricular hypertrophy

The types of left ventricular hypertrophy vary depending on the structure of changes in the heart muscles. It happens: concentric and eccentric LVH, ventricular dilatation. They are distinguished based on echocardiographic indicators (cardiogram) and the thickness of the organ walls. Each type of LVH is not an independent disease, but occurs as a consequence of other pathologies in the human body.

Eccentric hypertrophy

Eccentric myocardial hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in the heart and the volume of its chambers in parallel with the thickening of the muscles of the left ventricle. Provoked sharp growth cardiomyocytes, their transverse size does not change. Also, eccentric LVH threatens to slow the pulse and cause breathing complications. Appears with heart defects or after a heart attack.

Concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricular myocardium

Concentric hypertension occurs due to hyperfunction of myocardiocytes due to pressure load. The size of the cavity does not change, sometimes it even becomes smaller. The size of the walls of the left ventricle, the total mass of the myocardium and the heart increase. Concentric hypertrophy occurs with hypertension, arterial hypertension; causes a decrease in coronary reserve.

Left ventricular dilatation

Dilatation is an expansion of the left ventricle of the heart and occurs when the myocardium changes or the healthy ventricle is overloaded. If the arc of the heart is lengthened, this can also be an initial symptom of LVH. Sometimes aortic stenosis leads to dilation, when the narrowed valve cannot perform its pumping function. Past illnesses often cause heart enlargement, in in rare cases it can also occur on its own, as a congenital pathology.

What is the danger of left ventricular hypertrophy?

If the left ventricle is hypertrophied, this is not a disease, but it can provoke many of them in the future, including fatal heart attacks, strokes, angina pectoris and other heart ailments. Often organ enlargement occurs due to active image life, in athletes, when the heart works harder than in the average body. Such changes may not pose a threat, but in each special case Qualified consultation and medical advice is required.

Diagnosis of cardiomyopathy

Diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy occurs in several ways: by identifying signs of the disease on an ECG, examining the heart using ultrasound or using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. If you experience any heart problems or symptoms of illness, you should contact a cardiologist, and if you have already suffered some kind of defect and suspect complications, you need a cardiac surgeon and, possibly, a treatment system.

Left ventricular hypertrophy on ECG

ECG is a common diagnostic method that helps to find out the thickness of the heart muscle and voltage characteristics. However, it can be difficult to detect LVH on an ECG without other methods: it can be diagnosed misdiagnosis hypertrophy, because ECG signs, which are characteristic of her, can also be observed in healthy person. Therefore, if they are found in you, this may be due to increased body weight or its special constitution. Then it is worth conducting another echocardiographic examination.

LVH on ultrasound

Ultrasound examination helps with more likely judge individual factors and causes of hypertrophy. The advantage of ultrasound is that this method allows not only to diagnose, but also to determine the characteristics of the course of hypertrophy and the general condition of the heart muscle. Indicators of cardiac echocardiography reveal changes in the left ventricle such as:

• ventricular wall thickness;
• ratio of myocardial mass to body mass;
• coefficient of asymmetry of seals;
• direction and speed of blood flow.

MRI of the heart

Magnetic resonance imaging helps to clearly calculate the area and degree of enlargement of the ventricle, atrium or other compartment of the heart, and to understand how strong the degenerative changes are. MRI of the myocardium shows all the anatomical features and configuration of the heart, as if “stratifying” it, which gives the doctor complete visualization of the organ and detailed information about the condition of each department.

How to treat left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart

Many people are susceptible to cardiac hypertrophy. If the problem is severe, medical or surgical treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy is performed. At the same time, depending on the degree of damage, treatment can be aimed at preventing the progression of the disease or at returning the myocardium to its boundaries. normal sizes. But it happens that this condition is reversible; if the disease cannot be cured completely, then regression can be achieved by correcting such things as:

• Lifestyle;
• food type;
• hormonal balance;
• excess weight;
• amount of physical activity.

Treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy with medication

Medicines for left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart can have an effective result if taken under the supervision of a doctor. It is impossible to completely eliminate the symptoms of hypertension, but taking antihypertensive drugs With this disease, following a diet will help fight the causes and prevent deterioration of health. To treat LVH, the following medications are prescribed:

Verapamil is an angiarrhythmic drug from the group of calcium channel blockers. Reduces myocardial contractility, reduces heart rate. Can be used by both adults and children, doses are set individually.

Beta blockers - reduce the pressure and volume load in the heart cavity, help to even out the rhythm and reduce the risk of defects.

Sartans - effectively reduce the overall load on the heart and remodel the myocardium.

Myocardial hypertension of the left heart belongs to class 9 on the ICD-10 scale, along with other diseases of the circulatory system. Preference should be given exclusively to drugs whose quality has been tested and proven clinically; experimental drugs may not only not have the expected effect, but also negatively affect overall health.

Cardiomyopathy surgical treatment

Surgery for left ventricular hypertrophy may be necessary to remove the hypertrophied portion of the muscle in later and advanced stages diseases. To do this, a whole heart transplant is performed or individual parts. If the cause of LVMH is damage to a valve or septum, transplantation of these specific organs is first attempted, which is simpler than whole-heart surgery. In the case of such an intervention, the patient will have to be under the supervision of a cardiologist for the rest of his life and take medications to prevent coronary thrombosis.

Traditional treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy

Treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart folk remedies can't help on late stages lesions, but can be effective with slight increases to prevent their development and reduce the risk of more serious consequences. You will not be able to completely cure the disease, but traditional medicine can relieve discomfort, chest pain, weakness and fainting. The following means are known:

Herbal infusions as an auxiliary therapy during the main treatment (blueberry, motherwort, blasphemous hawthorn, horsetail, cornflower flowers, adonis)

Infused milk: boil and pour into a thermos overnight, or put in the oven until it turns brown.

Lily of the valley in the form of drops of tincture or gruel. For the tincture, pour vodka or alcohol into the lily of the valley, leave in a dark place for 2 weeks, take 10 drops 3 times a day for 2 months. Gruel: pour boiling water over lily of the valley flowers, leave for 10 minutes. Then drain the water, chop the plant and take a tablespoon 2 times a day. Recommended in combination with drops.

Garlic honey: mix crushed garlic with honey in a 1:1 ratio, leave for a week in a dark place, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Dry red wine infused with dried rosemary. Pour wine over the leaves, leave for about a month in a dark place, strain and take before eating.

Cranberries, mashed with sugar: a teaspoon 4 times a day.

Diet for left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart

To adjust your diet for cardiomyopathy, follow the following tips:

• give up salt;
• eat often, about 6 times a day, but in small portions;
• stop smoking, drink less alcohol;
• choose foods that are lower in fat and cholesterol;
• limit the amount of animal fats;
• fermented milk and dairy products are healthy, fresh vegetables and fruits;
• eat less flour and sweets;
• if you are suffering overweight– follow a diet to lose weight and reduce stress on the heart.

Video: left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy

It is a well-known fact that human heart consists of four chambers. One of the four chambers includes the left ventricle of the heart, from which the outflow of oxygen-filled blood begins. nutrients. From the left ventricle of the heart, blood is subsequently released into the aorta during the circulatory process. In general, this heart chamber is larger in size than the right heart ventricle - this is explained by the fact that it is from the left ventricle of the heart that the heart begins big circle blood circulation

When insufficient blood flows to the aorta, a pathology called heart failure develops. The cause of this phenomenon is often an enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart (hypertrophy). It is the development of left ventricular hypertrophy that leads to many dangerous cardiac pathologies. Among the factors that contribute to the formation of hypertrophy are the following reasons:

• One of the reasons leading to thickening of the walls of the left ventricle is hypertension. Increased blood pressure, in the best possible way, contributes to the development of such an anomaly as hypertrophy.
• Aortic valve angina - narrowing of the aortic valve causes the heart organ to contract several times more often in order to pump blood to the aorta. This phenomenon often leads to hypertrophy.
• Among the genetic factors, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be identified; due to this anomaly, a gradual thickening of the walls of the heart chamber occurs.
• Intense physical activity, playing sports at a professional level - left ventricular hypertrophy is often observed in professional athletes, who most Everyday life dedicate themselves to heavy sports activities. A healthy heart plays key role in the life of every serious athlete, therefore it is necessary to train this organ so that pathologies associated with it do not develop.
• A sedentary lifestyle - of course, intense sports activities increase the risk of developing hypertrophy, but the left ventricle can be enlarged due to a person’s inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and physical inactivity. For this reason, it is worth giving the body light physical activity, doing exercises in the morning, running, etc.
• Addiction to bad habits- Most people experience hypertrophy due to excessive alcohol consumption or frequent smoking. Both of these habits often become the causes of severe heart pathologies, so it is worth abstaining from them, and smokers and alcoholics should not be surprised if the left ventricle of the heart organ is enlarged in size.
• Farby's disease is considered a rare, but not excluded, cause of left ventricular hypertrophy - this is genetic disease, which is passed on “by inheritance”. Farby disease occurs due to a lack of an important enzyme (alpha-galactosiade A) in the human body; this pathology often leads to changes in the structure of the heart organ.

• Atherosclerosis - a similar disease develops due to the accumulation of cholesterol deposits on the walls of blood vessels. Accumulating on the surface of the walls coronary arteries, cholesterol plaques interfere with normal blood flow.
• Stressful situations and psycho-emotional instability - similar conditions often cause thickening of the walls of the left ventricle of the human heart organ. Constant worries and long-term depression lead to disruption of work heart rate, and this affects the constituent parts of the organ.
• In addition, among the possible causes of left ventricular hypertrophy, one can highlight the presence of blood vessel diseases, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease in a person.
• Left ventricular hypertrophy is often associated with excess body weight in the patient. People suffering from obesity are more susceptible to such an anomaly, which has been proven by medical statistics and numerous studies, and the cardiac section from which the systemic circulation begins is noticeably enlarged.

Symptoms of left ventricular hypertrophy

Hypertrophy, as a rule, begins without special symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify unpleasant phenomenon on early stages. But gradually, as it develops, the pathology begins to reveal itself very alarming features leaks that are hard to miss. Among the signs of this disease, you should pay attention to the following unpleasant symptoms of the disease:

• The disease is accompanied by a feeling of constant overload and a feeling of fatigue. The patient may complain of apathy, lethargy, reluctance to work, etc.
• Cardiac interruptions occur, arrhythmia is observed, and the patient suffers from constant shortness of breath. Sometimes it becomes difficult to breathe, and there is a severe lack of oxygen.
• Soreness you may experience internally chest, the pain is pressing or squeezing in nature (anginal pain).
• Patients often experience changes in blood pressure. At high blood pressure many medications and other methods of therapy become ineffective.
• Swelling appears on the face and limbs of a sick person, especially swelling becomes noticeable closer to the night.
• When lying down, most patients develop a cough, sharp and causeless attacks suffocation.
• Signs of cyanosis appear on the nails and near the nose - the skin in these areas of the body acquires a bluish tint.
• Noticed general weakness body, frequent causeless headaches, dizziness, the patient is worried sleepy state(drowsiness).

• The most basic sign of left ventricular hypertrophy can rightfully be considered a pathology such as angina pectoris. During angina, patients have to deal with a lack of air, a feeling of severe tightness in the chest, and frequent shortness of breath.
• In fairly rare cases, left ventricular hypertrophy is accompanied by presyncope, and sometimes total loss consciousness. Such situations are fraught with catastrophic consequences and therefore require emergency medical attention.

Diagnosis and treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy

Significant increase in left cardiac ventricle in size, can lead to very serious problems that need to be eliminated as early as possible, using the most effective ways cure. Treatment of such a disease should begin only after medical consultation And further diagnostics patient.

To begin with, any treating specialist conducts an anamnestic analysis, asking the person about all the symptoms that worry him, as well as asking about the presence of heart disease in one of the patient’s parents or close relatives. After this, it is necessary to carry out a series following procedures, which allow one to establish quite accurately clinical picture diseases:

• Laboratory procedures include blood tests (general, biochemical and hormone tests), as well as a urine test.
• X-ray examination of the patient's chest - such an instrumental medical procedure allows us to judge the enlargement of the shadow of the cardiac organ or the shadow of the aorta. In general, a chest x-ray helps to look for possible abnormalities related to the structure of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram - such an examination will not provide accurate information about the enlargement of the left ventricle, but an experienced cardiologist can see, after the results of the electrocardiogram, abnormalities related to the patient’s myocardium.
• Echocardiography, as well as ultrasound, allows one to judge the internal structure of the heart and observe existing anomalies relating to the cardiac sections. Such studies are quite effective in identifying left ventricular hypertrophy.
• To study and draw conclusions about the patency of the coronary arteries, it is important to conduct coronary angiography.
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart will allow a more accurate assessment of the patient’s cardiac pathology and identify abnormalities associated with the structure of this organ.

When treating a disease, it is very important to identify the root cause that contributed to the development of the disease. Elimination of factors that provoked the disease is necessary for effective therapy with left ventricular hypertrophy. Health measures include: drug therapy, surgery, traditional methods treatment, as well as adjustments to the patient’s diet and lifestyle.

Treatment with drugs provides positive effect, only if you follow all medical instructions and doses of prescribed medications. To prevent further development illness, most experts prescribe the following healing remedies:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors - the use of such drugs helps dilate blood vessels, leads to a decrease in blood pressure, and improves the patient's blood circulation. One of the side effects is the appearance of a dry cough. The best drugs in this group are Zestril, Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril. To avoid side effects inhibitors, you can use their analogues, for example, angiotensin receptor blockers, which will not cause a cough.
• Additionally, medications from the group of beta blockers are prescribed. Such remedies restore normal work heart rate, stabilize the patient’s blood pressure level.
• To combat thrombus formation, it is advisable to use drugs from the anticoagulant group (Warfarin, Indandione).
• Diuretics - in the treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy, the use of diuretics is important if the disease has progressed to severe form. Diuretic medications will help increase blood flow to the heart and lower blood pressure.

Surgical intervention to improve the health of the body is necessary when drug therapy not effective. The following types of operations are usually used: aortic valve transplantation, Morrow operation, commissurotomy (artificial expansion of the lumen of the artery, with the introduction of an implant that promotes such expansion).

Traditional medicine methods will relieve many symptoms of the disease, but you can resort to them only after medical recommendations. Such treatment is based on the use of various healing infusions and decoctions of various herbs (hawthorn, chamomile, etc.).

Left ventricular heart failure: causes and symptoms of the disease

The development of left ventricular hypertrophy can lead to various complications. Left ventricular failure is one of these complications and poses a threat to the life and health of the patient. A similar pathology appears when the contractile capabilities of the heart organ are sharply reduced, which leads to a lack of blood supply (blood does not flow from the heart to other organs in the required quantity).

Often the causes of heart failure of the left ventricular type are overload of this part of the organ. Symptoms of the pathology may include: shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and a strong, usually causeless cough. An accurate picture of the disease can only be presented after examining the patient using electrocardiography.

Factors that contribute to the development of pathology include:

• Frequent increase in a person's blood pressure.
• After a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
• Inflammation of myocardial tissue (myocarditis).
• Serious injuries affecting the brain.
• Arrhythmia.
• Ischemic pathology of the cardiac organ.
• Various congenital or acquired heart defects.
• Toxicosis of the body, which affected the heart and its parts.
• Mitral stenosis, which can cause blockage of blood vessels.
• Some infectious diseases.
• Surgical operations that a person has undergone are difficult.
• Inflammatory kidney diseases (nephritis).
• Fluid accumulation in the lungs and respiratory diseases.

It should be noted that left ventricular failure is classified into two main types, depending on the form of this pathology. The acute stage of the disease is dangerous, when symptoms appear suddenly for the patient. Among the signs of the disease, it is worth paying attention to the following features of the course of the disease:

• A severe cough, which is often accompanied by the release of foam from the mouth of a sick person.
• Developing shortness of breath, which running forms the illness turns into attacks of suffocation.
• Hoarseness, which is clearly observed when the patient breathes.
• The neck veins are sharply increased in size.
• Observed frequent changes and surges in blood pressure.
• Causeless, severe dizziness.
• Body temperature rises.
• Numbness is felt in the extremities (sometimes it can paralyze an arm or leg).
• Fainting, loss of consciousness.
• A sick person feels good only when in a sitting position.
• There are signs of cyanosis on the tips of the nails, limbs and lips of a person (these areas of the patient’s body acquire a bluish tint).

Symptoms of acute and chronic form The course of the pathology may be slightly different, but the mechanism of development of left ventricular failure is similar in both cases. Signs of a chronic form of the disease reveal themselves gradually and do not take a person by surprise.

An attack of acute form of insufficiency of the left stomach of the cardiac organ often becomes the cause fatal outcome. It is for this reason that it is extremely important to provide the patient with the first first aid: give nitroglycerin, if possible, do a direct cardiac massage, help to take a sitting position. Nitroglycerin is taken under the tongue, in addition, a one percent solution of morphine can be injected subcutaneously into the patient.

In parallel with providing first aid to a person, it is necessary to call “ ambulance" The patient is subject to mandatory hospitalization, which must take place in a sitting position on a stretcher.

From this article you will learn about such a developmental anomaly as an additional chord in the heart of a child, and whether it occurs in adults. How serious is this, how can the disease manifest itself? Possible reasons occurrence. In what cases does it need to be treated and how to eliminate the problem.

• The essence of pathology
• Why does pathology occur?
• Characteristic symptoms (they may not exist)
• Diagnostic methods
• Forecast

Additional chords (or additional chord) are an abnormal development of the heart, in which in the cavities of the ventricles there are extra constrictions (bridges) stretched between the myocardial wall and the heart valves.

Options for the location of additional chords in the heart

This anomaly is included in the group of minor cardiac anomalies, since it is more individual anatomical feature structure of the heart than a pathological condition. In 90–95% of cases, it has no symptoms and does not threaten anything.

Additional chords of the heart appear in the fetus during the prenatal period and remain in humans throughout life ( congenital condition). They are diagnosed only by ultrasound examination of the heart (echocardiography). In 5–10%, this anomaly can interfere with normal blood circulation, leading to arrhythmias and heart failure.

Cardiologists (adults and children), cardiac surgeons, as well as doctors deal with issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of an additional chord of the heart. ultrasound diagnostics. Treatment may not be required at all, it may involve following a gentle regimen and taking medications, or it may even require surgery. In any case, the disease is curable.

The essence of pathology

The human heart consists of two atria (right and left) and their corresponding two ventricles. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The left atrium is separated from the left ventricle by the mitral (bicuspid) valve. These valves are needed to allow blood to pass from the atria into the ventricles in portions, but to prevent it from being thrown back from the ventricles into the atria.

The valves are semilunar strips of connective tissue. At one end they are attached to the wall of the heart, and the other end hangs freely into the cavity of the ventricles. Thin but very strong bridges in the form of threads are stretched between the free end of the valve and the inner surface of the myocardial wall. These bridges are called chords.

At one end, several chords, united in bundles, are attached along the perimeter of the free edge of the valve, and at the other end they are fused with muscle protrusions on the myocardium - trabeculae or papillary muscles. Each valve leaflet is approached by 2–3 bundles with chords in the longitudinal direction relative to the axis of the heart. Their purpose is to restrain the valve, give its free edge a fixed position and prevent it from moving into the atria.

When the atria contract, blood is expelled from them into the ventricles, and the valves open (lower) freely. When the ventricles contract, the valve flaps begin to rise with the flow of blood until they come into complete contact with each other. This creates an obstacle due to which the blood does not flow back into the atria, but is thrown out into the vessels. But if there were no chords, the valve flaps would not be able to lock into the desired position at the moment of their contact. The chordae tighten the valve, like a sail or parachute, preventing it from wrapping into the cavity of the atrium.

Additional chords in the heart are the presence of excess filament bridges between the valve leaflets and the myocardium, which should not be present normally. Considering useful value chords for normal cardiac activity, there is nothing wrong with an additional chord. This is indeed true, but only if the additional chord is stretched in the same way as the other threads - longitudinally relative to the axis of the heart, and has the same thin diameter. In this case, it does not pose any danger and can be considered a variant of the norm or an individual characteristic of a particular person.

If the accessory chord is located transverse to the heart cavity or is too thick, it may:

In this case, both the child and the adult may experience signs of circulatory failure.

It is important to remember in the presence of an additional chord in the heart that this is an anomaly that may be one of the signs of congenital systemic underdevelopment of connective tissue. In such children, in addition to this anomaly, fragility and laxity of ligaments, tendons and bones, excessive mobility of joints, curvature and weakness of the spine, prolapse internal organs.

Causes of pathology

The reason for additional chords is a violation intrauterine development fetal cardiovascular system. This failure can be caused by:

The child is born with additional chordae. They persist throughout life.

Symptoms (may or may not exist)

Does not exist specific symptoms, characteristic specifically for additional chords in the heart. Moreover, this cardiac anomaly can cause complaints and manifestations in only 5–10% of cases. The remaining 90–95% of adults and children do not show any complaints and learn about the anomaly only after an ultrasound examination of the heart.

If the additional chord is located transversely in the cavity of the ventricle, interferes with blood circulation or disrupts the functioning of the valves, then a child or an adult experiences:

• Pain in the heart area (mainly during exercise, but can be at rest).
• Frequent heartbeat (feeling of interruptions).
• Fatigue and shortness of breath during exercise.
• Dizziness.
• Heart rhythm disturbances ( paroxysmal tachycardia and extrasystole).
• Murmurs when listening to the heart.

Even if the additional chord is accompanied by the listed symptoms, they only slightly disrupt general state And motor activity sick (it may be difficult to do heavy physical work). Children with this cardiac anomaly grow and develop without any abnormalities. Most often, manifestations arise and intensify during periods of active growth and puberty.

If a child or adult has severe symptoms of heart damage ( severe pain, shortness of breath with light exertion, severe violations rhythm, swelling) and upon examination an additional chord is discovered - do not think that it is this that causes them. Such a patient should be comprehensively examined to exclude other cardiac pathologies. An additional chord may not cause such serious manifestations, but can be combined with any diseases and anomalies.

Diagnostic methods

It is impossible to detect additional chords in the heart based on complaints and during a routine medical examination. There is only one reliable diagnostic method - ultrasound examination of the heart (echocardiography or ultrasound of the heart).

According to existing standards, this study should be performed on all newborns in the first month of life. The method is safe and reliable. Therefore, all children and adults with an abnormal chord in the heart should undergo cardiac ultrasound at least once a year. Advanced diagnostics include electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure measurement, Holter monitoring, and stress tests.

All these diagnostic tests cannot detect additional chords of the heart, but determine the functional abilities of this organ.

Treatment (not always necessary)

If additional chords do not appear in any way, treatment is not required. It may be indicated if a child or adult has symptoms of cardiac dysfunction. For help, contact a cardiologist.

Treatment can take place at home (outpatient), and if symptoms are severe, in a cardiology hospital. The treatment program includes the following:

Forecast

About 90% of children and adults with an additional chord in the heart lead a normal life, since this anomaly does not affect its quality or duration. The remaining 10% require light or moderate restrictions physical activity and periodically (1–2 times a year) undergo courses of treatment. Complications and life-threatening conditions occur in no more than 1% of patients.

okardio.com

An additional chord in the heart is a pathology that is quite common and is not dangerous. The usual chord is a muscle that connects the opposite sides of the left ventricle of the heart, and the additional chord is superfluous and has an atypical structure. Most often it is located in the left ventricle, very rarely in the right.

Doctors studied this anomaly for a long time and eventually came to the conclusion that it does not affect the functioning of the heart and does not pose any danger to life.

Most often, a chord in the heart is found in a child, less often in adults. This happens because in a small child’s heart its noises are easier to hear.

There are no symptoms of chord in the heart. Most often, it is discovered by chance, since when listening to the heart, noises come from it. A cardiologist who hears such a heart murmur is obliged to give a referral for an ECG, which will determine the presence of a chord. But this may also turn out to be a so-called false chord in a child, that is, heart murmurs, which most often appear precisely because of it, have another reason.

Additional chord in the heart - reasons

The cause of an additional chord in a child is exclusively maternal inheritance. Perhaps the mother also has this anomaly or simply some kind of heart disease.

Additional chord in the heart - treatment

Since there is no danger in the chord, it does not require special treatment, but you still need to follow a gentle regimen.

Abnormal chordae in children should not be a problem and should not be considered some kind of terrible disease. A child with an additional chord can be completely healthy and live to old age without even knowing what heart problems are. The main thing is not to panic, but to follow the regime and regularly see a doctor. And remember that an additional chord is not considered a disease and many doctors even recognized it, so to speak, normal deviation from the norm.

womanadvice.ru

Introduction

An accessory chord of the left ventricle is diagnosed based on the results of cardiac ultrasound. This pathology is an autosomal disease associated with a dominant course. An anomaly of this type is classified as small. According to doctors, it does not require treatment and may even be normal to some extent. The danger is posed by an additional chord in the right ventricle of the heart. When similar pathology treatment and constant monitoring by a specialist is required.

Additional chord in a child - what is it?

The specificity of the formation of this pathology is associated with a failure in the formation and development of the connective tissue of the heart muscle during pregnancy. Thus, during the embryonic period of heart development in a child, the muscle is pierced by several threads.

In normal condition, the notochord in children is a muscle that connects the sides of the left ventricle of the heart. With abnormal development, additional chords with an atypical structure appear.
The older the child gets, the less influence additional chords have on his lifestyle. Gradually the heart grows and the abnormal formations shift.

Identified additional chords of the left ventricle in newborns require constant patronage during the first six months of the child’s life, then until the child is one and a half years old, the child is registered with a cardiologist. Then the heart undergoes control examinations at the ages of 3 and 7 years, when it becomes necessary to determine the health group before entering the kindergarten and school accordingly.

Reasons for education

The vast majority of cases of the appearance of an additional chord of the left ventricle are a hereditary predisposition. The pathology is transmitted through the maternal line. For this reason, if a woman knows about her anomaly in the development of the heart cavity, then after the birth of the child she needs to worry about additional examination of the child to study the functioning of the heart.

Many experts agree that there are a number of factors that can provoke the formation of such an anomaly during pregnancy:

• bad habits, especially smoking;
• difficult environmental situation;
• stress;
• unbalanced or insufficient nutrition;
• intrauterine infections;
• weak the immune system mother.

The action of these factors can lead to pathological changes during the formation of not only the fetal heart, but also other organs and systems, therefore the expectant mother must take care in advance to exclude them as much as possible.

Diagnostics

Directly at the appointment, the doctor conducts a conversation, visual examination and listens to the heart. Some experts argue that in the presence of an additional chord of the left ventricle, specific murmurs can be heard. However, only ultrasound can give the true picture. Even experienced doctor must first give direction to ultrasound examination, and only based on its results make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Carrying out ultrasound in children has a number of its own characteristics. Only from the age of 6 can one count on the child’s adequate perception of the examination situation. Therefore, one of the parents or close people accompanies the child to the ultrasound. The office must be equipped with toys and take into account age characteristics patients. Small children, and especially newborns, should not take off all their clothes; it is enough to expose the chest to access the required area.

Modern ultrasound examination includes 2 procedures. The first is called echocardiography. With its help, you can examine the structure of the heart with maximum accuracy and characterize hemodynamics. In addition, echocardiography allows you to calculate indicators of most cardiac functions. The second cardiac ultrasound procedure is a Doppler study of intracardiac hemodynamics.

Today, cardiac ultrasound is performed in two-dimensional space, which makes it possible to assess dynamic changes in real time. Ideally, the test is performed with the patient lying on his back. However, in the case of small children, this is difficult to achieve, so you can put the child on his right side, stand him up or sit him down. The main thing is to achieve a calm position, but do not forget about subsequent correction of the results depending on the examination position.

The examination is carried out through the anterior wall of the chest, on the left side of the sternum. In this area the heart is as open as possible. The installation of the sensor depends on the age of the child; the younger it is, the higher the device is installed. In the case of newborns, the sensor can be installed directly on the sternum. To identify an additional chord of the left ventricle, a four-chamber position is usually used, in which abnormal areas appear as linear formations.

The examination procedure, as well as interpretation of the results, takes about 40 minutes. Ultrasound of the heart allows you to assess the condition of the chambers, the size, as well as the integrity of the organ and its structures, the characteristics of blood circulation, the specifics of the pericardial sac and the characteristics of the fluid. All indicators are significant. They may indicate not just the presence of an abnormal appearance of an additional chord, but also concomitant heart diseases.

Consequences

The symptoms of the disease are quite scarce. For many years, a person may not know about the presence of such a pathology. As a rule, signs of an additional chord of the left ventricle appear if its location interferes with the functioning of the heart or the pathology is multiple. So the main symptoms of the anomaly are reduced to the following manifestations:

• fast fatiguability;
• attacks of dizziness up to fainting;
• pain of varying intensity in the heart area;
• tachycardia;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• frequent mood swings.

Particular attention should be paid to arrhythmia. If it occurs, you will need to go through additional examinations. If the heart rhythm disturbances are associated only with an additional chord, then the diagnosis may sound like “hemodynamically insignificant,” but the causes may be more serious and require a different level of treatment. In general, the prognosis of the disease is favorable and, with proper treatment, it can reduce harm to health to a minimum.

Prevention and treatment

An additional pathological chord of the left ventricle, as a rule, does not require drug treatment in the traditional view. In such a situation, the doctor can only prescribe a regular visit to a specialist, and an ultrasound of the heart to monitor the dynamics of possible changes.

If the patient is bothered by unpleasant symptoms from the cardiovascular system, then the following may be prescribed:

• vitamin therapy, mainly with B vitamins;
• magnesium and potassium preparations;
• antioxidants;
• nootropic drugs.

Drugs are dosed according to an individual scheme and only by a specialist!

As the main measures of prevention and vital activity when making a diagnosis in general, a number of rules should be noted. If you follow them, you can maintain your well-being at the proper level and avoid possible complications:

• carry out regular hardening procedures depending on the degree of preparedness of the body;
• eat rationally, including as many vitamins and microelements as possible in your diet;
• set aside enough time every day for walks in the fresh air (at least an hour);
• maintain sleep/wake, rest/work schedules;
• include feasible physical activity in your daily routine.

Modern scientists in the field of medical science have developed several useful measures for people with the described pathology:

• practice dancing in which the rhythm is quite slow;
• learn and practice drill exercises;
• install a wall bars and do several exercises on it;
• jump rope;
• run short distances;
• regularly take massage courses;
• take care of your psycho-emotional state.

All these procedures have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and also normalize functions nervous system, improve mood and generally tone the body. Each person is able to take preventive measures independently, but under the supervision of the attending physician. It is he who can determine the quantity and quality of physical activity and adjust the patient’s daily routine. The main recommendation is regular examination by a doctor.

Conclusion

Already on early stages During pregnancy, with the help of an ultrasound, you can hear the fetal heart beating. This one is vital important organ is one of the first to be laid. In the prenatal state, the child is extremely susceptible to many negative factors, and it is during this period that pathological development of the heart cavity is possible, including the formation of a pathological chord in the left ventricle.

Today, experts classify this disease as a minor anomaly and urge not to panic when making such a diagnosis. This abnormal formation does not have a particular effect on the function of the heart and does not require specific drug treatment. However, you should constantly monitor your health, undergo an ultrasound examination and visit a specialist.

uziprosto.ru

The heart of a child and an adult: structural features

This organ has 4 chambers - left and right atrium and, respectively, the left and right ventricles.

Normally, blood circulates from the atria to the ventricles. The movement of blood in one direction is regulated by the heart valves, which close/open according to heart contractions.

The mobility and flexibility of the valves is provided by peculiar springs - tendon threads - chords. The latter alternately contract, stretching the valve and allowing blood to flow to the ventricle, and then relax, their valves close and the blood is not thrown back.

However, it increasingly happens that during intrauterine development one or several additional (false) chords are formed in the organ.

They are a connective tissue formation. It is worth noting that more often false chord localized in the left ventricle of the child’s heart. In the vast majority of cases, these formations do not lead to an increase in hemodynamic load, that is, they do not impair cardiac function. In medicine, such a disease is classified as a minor organ anomaly.

Chords are classified into longitudinal, transverse and diagonal depending on their location. Diagonal and longitudinal ones do not disrupt the blood flow in the organ, but transverse ones can complicate this process, creating obstacles, which, accordingly, affects the work of the myocardium - the heart muscle. In some cases, transverse filaments can provoke heart rhythm disturbances in adulthood (short PQ syndrome, SVC syndrome).

Reasons for the appearance of a chord in the heart of a child

The main provoking factors include hereditary predisposition. If
one of the parents has pathologies of the cardiovascular system, there is a high probability of developing one or more anomalies in the offspring, for example, false chordae, mitral valve prolapse, patent foramen ovale. In addition, external negative impacts, mutagenic causes (drugs, alcohol, smoking during pregnancy), especially during the formation of connective tissue, that is, 5-6 weeks after conception.

Additional (false) chord of the heart in a child: symptoms

If there is only one pathology, then there is a high probability that it will not manifest itself in any way throughout life. Doctors first suspect the presence of systolic heart murmurs during listening. It is worth noting that in the vast majority of cases, the pathology is diagnosed during the period from newborn to 3 years of age. This is exactly what this pathology also called disease of newborns.

The incidence rate is due to the fact that now all children who have reached the first month of life need to undergo a planned ECHO-CG - ultrasound examination of the heart to exclude congenital malformations.

As children get older, during a period of intense growth of the musculoskeletal system, a delay in the development of internal organs occurs. As a result, the load on the heart increases, which is manifested by pain, increased fatigue, palpitations, weakness, dizziness, psycho-emotional instability. Rhythm disturbances are less common. Most often, these symptoms occur in adolescence and can accompany a person throughout his life.

If there is more than one false chord located in the child’s heart, then the doctor must remember that there are connective tissues in other internal organs.

Accordingly, symptoms can also be expressed through dysfunction. In such a situation, connective tissue dysplasia occurs.

The pathology is manifested by changes in the skeleton (deformation of the limbs, impaired muscle function, scoliosis), the frame of the tracheobronchial tree, the digestive organs (diaphragm hernia, gastroesophageal reflux, deformation/bending of the gallbladder), the urinary organs (prolapse of the kidney, dilatation of the ureter or renal pelvis), etc. d. When there are multiple chords not only in the left ventricle, but also abnormalities are found in other organs, we can say that connective tissue poorly developed throughout the body.

We can say that only a pediatrician, a cardiologist and a number of other highly specialized specialists will be able to decide whether this is a independent illness or about general damage to the body. If the chord is an independent pathology, then there are usually no symptoms. IN otherwise, when the entire body is affected, this manifests itself in disorders of other organs and systems. Such children must be examined very carefully and comprehensively.

How is an accessory chord diagnosed?

Detection of the disease involves several procedures:

1. Clinical examination, including auscultation (listening) of the child. In the presence of pathology
   systolic murmurs are heard;
2. ECHO-CG - ultrasound examination of the heart - the most effective examination method;
3. If necessary, an ECG is prescribed, which can be performed with or without exercise to exclude heart rhythm disturbances;
4. Daily ECG monitoring;
5. Bicycle ergometry – stress tests.

How is false chord treated?

If nothing bothers the child, there is no need for drug therapy. You just need to periodically visit a cardiologist and undergo an ultrasound examination and ECG at least once a year.

Otherwise, when unpleasant symptoms occur, it is necessary to prescribe appropriate medications:

1. To improve the nutrition of the heart muscle, vitamins B1, B2 (riboflavin), PP (nicotinic acid), and lipoic acid are required. Vitamin therapy is carried out in courses that last at least a month. In addition, reception similar drugs must be carried out at least 2 times a year;
2. To improve the processes of conducting electrical impulses in the myocardium, magnesium and
   potassium. For example, Magne B6 (a combination of magnesium citrate and vitamin B6) is taken in a course of one month, but the drug is contraindicated before the age of 6. After reaching 18 years of age, Magnerot (magnesium orotate) can be prescribed, which is taken for 3-4 weeks. Potassium orotate is taken according to the age-specific dosage for 3-5 weeks. "Panangin" is prescribed for a whole month, but its safety for children has not been proven;
3. To improve metabolic processes antioxidants are required in cells: Cytochrome C, L-carnitine preparations and similar ones;
4. If signs of neurocirculatory dystonia occur, nootropic drugs are required, for example, Nootropil, Piracetam.

Be sure to strengthen the body as part of the treatment complex, as well as for prevention purposes.
Parents of newborn children with such an anomaly must make efforts to prevent the pathology from making itself felt. To do this, you need to harden yourself, eat rationally and balancedly, often be in the fresh air, maintain a regime of activity and rest, and play sports (gymnastics, dancing).

If at multiple lesions or transverse chord in the ventricle, any disorders develop (eg paroxysmal tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, extrasystole, various syndromes, etc.) that can be life-threatening and hospitalization is required. In the hospital, more thorough and comprehensive examination and, based on its results, begin treatment.

Heart threshold in a newborn

The left ventricle of the heart (LV) plays a significant role in organizing blood flow. This is where the large circle of blood circulation begins. Blood, saturated with oxygen and nutrients, is released from it into the aorta - a powerful arterial highway that feeds the entire body.

If the load on the heart muscle is constantly increased for any reason, left ventricular hypertrophy (cardiomyopathy) may develop. The pathology is expressed in thickening and compaction of the walls of the LV.

The occurrence of hypertrophy

The walls of the ventricular chambers consist of three layers:

1. Endocardium is an inner layer with a smooth surface that facilitates blood flow.
2. Myocardium is muscle tissue, the most powerful part of the wall.
3. The epicardium is the outer layer that protects the muscle.

Since the LV bears the main responsibility for pumping blood, nature has provided it with a certain margin of safety. The left chamber is larger than the right (the size of the LV is one third of the total volume of the cardiac cavities), its muscle tissue is noticeably more powerful. The average myocardial thickness in different parts of the LV ranges from 9 to 14 mm.

If the muscles of the chamber undergo increased stress (increased pressure or a significant volume of blood), the organ is forced to adapt to these conditions. The compensatory reaction of the LV consists of the proliferation of cardiomyocytes (cardiac muscle cells). The walls of the left ventricle become denser and gradually lose their elasticity.

The danger of left ventricular hypertrophy is a change in the normal process of muscle contraction. The result of this is insufficient blood supply internal organs. The threat of coronary artery disease, strokes, and myocardial infarction increases.

Types of hypertrophy

The proliferation of cardiomyocytes can spread throughout the entire chamber, or can be localized in different places. This is mainly the interventricular septum, the transition of the atrium to the LV, and the aortic opening. Depending on the places where the muscle layer thickened, several types of anomalies are distinguished:

Concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricular myocardium

The main reason is that the chamber is overloaded with blood pressure. With hypertension or narrowing of the aortic valve, the myocardium thickens evenly, sometimes thereby reducing the LV cavity. The muscle layer of the ventricle gradually increases in order to be able to push the entire volume of blood into the narrow opening of the main artery, and in case of hypertension - into the vessels compressed by spasm.

Eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy

Here the main role is played by the overload of the ventricular chamber with the amount of blood. As a result of insufficiency of the heart valves, the volume of ejection into the aortic opening is reduced. The chamber fills with blood, stretching the walls, causing the total mass of the LV to increase.

Obstructive cardiomyopathy

Obstruction is a bulging of an already enlarged wall into the lumen of the chamber. The ventricle is often divided in two, like an hourglass. If the myocardium is also enlarged in the area of ​​blood ejection into the aorta, the uniformity of systemic blood flow is further disrupted.

The severity of the pathology is determined by the thickness of the overgrown tissue:

1. Severe LV hypertrophy - more than 25 mm.
2. Average - from 21 mm to 25 mm.
3. Moderate - from 11 to 21 mm.

Moderate left ventricular hypertrophy is not life-threatening. It is observed in athletes and people with physical labor who experience high stress.

Factors causing the disease

Excessive load on the LV is based on congenital or acquired heart disease.

Hereditary anomalies include:

• Genetic defects. They arise as a result of mutation of one of the genes responsible for the synthesis of heart proteins. In total, about 70 persistent changes were found in these genes that cause proliferation of the LV myocardium.
• Congenital defects: decreased aortic diameter (coarctation), ventricular septal defect, closed or absent pulmonary artery. It is with hereditary defects of the heart muscle that left ventricular hypertrophy in children is associated. Here, the main type of therapy is surgery.
• Congenital narrowing of the aortic valve (the outlet of the left ventricle through which blood is ejected into the artery). Normally, the valve area is 3-4 square meters. cm, with stenosis it narrows to 1 square. cm.
• Mitral regurgitation. A defect in the valve leaflets causes blood to flow back into the atrium. Each time during the relaxation phase, the ventricle becomes filled with blood (volume overload).

Acquired left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy can develop under the influence of certain diseases and factors:

• Arterial hypertension. Holds first place among pathologies causing myocardial compaction (90% of cases). Muscle grows due to the fact that the organ constantly works under pressure overload;
• Atherosclerosis of the aorta. Cholesterol plaques are deposited on the walls of the aorta and in its valve, which later become calcified. The walls of the main artery lose elasticity, which interferes with the free flow of blood. The LV muscle tissue, experiencing increasing tension, begins to increase its volume;
• Ischemic disease hearts;
• Diabetes;
• Overeating, high weight, obesity;
• Prolonged stress;
• Alcoholism, smoking;
• Adynamia;
• Insomnia, emotional instability;
• Hard physical work.

All of the above causes of left ventricular hypertrophy cause the heart to work more intensely. The reason for this is the thickening of the myocardium.

Signs of the disease

Cardiac pathology does not manifest itself for a long time. But over time, increased muscle mass begins to have an effect on systemic blood flow. The first signs of illness appear. They are usually associated with heavy physical activity. As the disease progresses, manifestations bother the patient even at rest.

Symptoms of left ventricular hypertrophy:

• Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, lack of air.
• Dizziness, fainting.
• Anginal (squeezing, pressing) pain behind the sternum.
• Changes in blood pressure.
• High pressure, difficult to respond to therapeutic measures.
• Swelling of the limbs and face in the evening.
• Attacks of suffocation, causeless coughing when lying down.
• Blueness of nails, nasolabial triangle.
• Drowsiness, headaches of unknown origin, weakness.

If you notice such signs in yourself, you should rush to see a cardiologist.

Diagnosis of LV hypertrophy

At the first appointment, the doctor collects anamnesis (patient complaints, information about family diseases). If there are endocrine diseases, hypertension, or heart defects in the family, then hypertrophy of the walls of the left ventricle becomes more than likely.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following procedures are prescribed:

• Chest X-ray. The x-ray will show enlarged shadows of the heart and shadows of the aorta;
• Electrocardiogram;
• Daily monitoring ECG;
• Echocardiography;
• Stress echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart before and after exercise);
• Doppler test (checking cardiac blood flow also using stress);
• Laboratory research blood;
• Blood test for hormones;
• Analysis of urine.

To determine the extent of the disease, the doctor will prescribe coronary angiography (an X-ray examination with the injection of contrast fluid into the cardiac bloodstream). This is how they determine how free the lumen of the coronary arteries is.

To accurately visualize intracardiac pathologies, cardiac MRI is performed.

Forms of treatment

Eccentric, obstructive and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy are difficult to treat. But modern medical technologies make it possible to significantly stabilize the patient’s condition. Treatment tactics are mainly complex.

Drug therapy

To restore the natural rhythm of the heart muscle, beta blockers (Propranolol, Anaprilin, Metapropol, Atenolol) are prescribed.

Calcium channel blockers (Verapamil, Procardia) correct the blood supply to the heart and central systems body, have a vasodilating effect.

ACE inhibitors - Capoten, Zestril, Enalapril. Reduce blood pressure.

Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Indandione derivatives) prevent the formation of blood clots in the ventricle.

Sartans (Lorista, Valsartan) are first-line drugs for the treatment of hypertension and the prevention of cerebral strokes.

Diuretics (Indal, Navidrex) are used in combination with the above-mentioned drugs if LV myocardial hypertrophy is pronounced.

Surgery

If drug therapy is ineffective, surgical techniques are used. The following surgical interventions are indicated:

• Morrow operation - fragmentary removal of the myocardium in the area of ​​the interventricular septum;
• Mitral valve replacement;
• Aortic valve replacement or transplant;
• Commissurotomy - separation of adhesions at the mouth of the main artery, fused as a result of stenosis (narrowing);
• Stenting of coronary vessels (introduction of an expander implant into the lumen of the artery).

In cases where the treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy does not produce the expected results, a cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker is inserted. The devices are designed to restore the correct heart rhythm.

ethnoscience

If the cardiologist approves, you can use the following means:

• Infusions of cornflower, lily of the valley, hawthorn flowers;
• Infusion of St. John's wort with honey;
• A mixture of garlic and honey in equal parts;
• Mixed decoction of wild rosemary, motherwort and cucumber;
• Decoction of parsley stems in red wine.

Long-term consumption of baked milk with strawberry jam, grated cranberries with sugar, dried fruits, raisins, and dried apricots gives a good effect.

Finally

Increasingly, LV hypertrophy is being found in people under 35 years of age. Hoping for the compensatory capabilities of the young body, patients avoid going to the clinic.

But heart pathologies are dangerous because without medical treatment and control they are steadily progressing.

Only 5-10% of patients experience reverse development of cardiomyopathy. The rest fall into the group high risk. Only persistent treatment and compliance with the cardiologist’s recommendations will allow a person not to change the usual rhythm of life.