X-ray of the heart is a research technique, with which it is possible to identify any abnormalities and diseases that are beyond the reach of the human eye and other devices. This procedure is incredibly relevant for medicine. It is available to all segments of the population, and is also completely painless and incredibly fast. X-rays pass through the human body at the speed of light. Bones do not let radiation through, so they will be white in the picture, and the heart and other internal organs will become darker.
How does x-ray work?
An X-ray machine is a device that can turn ordinary energy into X-rays. Its power comes through an electric network. In modern x-ray machines, there is a power supply and a transformer. They are necessary for continuous operation even when the lights are completely turned off.
In a separate room is an X-ray control panel. It is specially not located near the device, so that doctors do not receive radiation doses. The main element for an x-ray of the heart is a special tube that generates radiation. It is located in a dense vessel. On one side is the cathode, and on the other, the anode. After the voltage is in the transformer, it enters the X-ray field. The cathode and anode strike, then they quickly brake. Due to this, the generation of x-ray radiation. All this happens instantly, at the speed of light. After this, an X-ray image of the heart is obtained, which is displayed on a special film or on a computer screen.
At present, doctors do not give a picture on their hands, but a detailed description of a heart x-ray is relied on. The result can be found on the same day, after about half an hour.
X-ray Description
In order to start this procedure, you need to undress in half. Then you need to stand in front of the device. After that, the doctor leaves for a separate office, from where he will manage the process. A person should snuggle up to the photocell, and then take a deep breath and hold his breath. If this is not done, the result will be blurry or completely unusable. Also, you can not move and twitch. During the procedure, a person does not feel anything.
If the person who came to the x-ray cannot move independently, then in this case it is carried out in a horizontal position. At the same time, doctors or relatives will help him. Also, this method can be used after surgery.
X-ray indications
As you know, an X-ray of the heart cannot be done just like that, because it can have a negative effect on the chest and body. For its purpose, certain symptoms must be present. These include: pain in the heart or chest, uneven heartbeat, high blood pressure (or vice versa), high fever for no good reason.
What does an x-ray of the heart show? With his help, you can detect various diseases that are even in the initial stages, as well as serious problems. An x-ray of inflammation is clearly visible on the x-ray, which is a necessary factor before treatment or surgery. There are times when the analysis does not understand what kind of disease a person has, because the symptoms of various diseases are similar.
How to prepare for an x-ray
Special preparation is not needed, but some nuances should be taken into account. If a person smokes, then you should not do this before the picture, because because of the cigarettes the x-ray may show the wrong result, and as a result, the problem will not be identified and the correct treatment will not be prescribed. This can lead to various complications and a threat to life.
You should also take off all the jewelry, as they can be harmful when irradiated. This also applies to piercings. It is necessary to remove all equipment, headphones and other away from yourself.
Radiation anatomy of the heart
The heart itself and all its vessels are clearly visible in the picture. For a more accurate result of an X-ray of the heart, two types of projection are made: direct and lateral. On a straight heart, it is seen as a darkening of a homogeneous nature, which has the shape of an oval. The upper part of the heart is shifted to the left side. Between the vessels and the heart there are recesses called the waist. The heart is in limbo. Its waist and location depends on the height of the diaphragm. The shadow below the heart is not determined, as it merges with the chest.
The vessels and chambers in the image form arcs. According to the rules, there should be two arcs on the right side, and four on the left. The first arch starts from the aorta. The second arc is located near the right atrium. In size, they are approximately the same. The third and fourth arcs are not always visible in the picture.
Radiation examination of the heart
An average person who can be considered healthy has one heart beat per second, that is, 60 times per minute. At this moment, a wave of excitement passes through the organ, that is, at first it contracts, and then relaxes. In the picture you can see whether the heart is enlarged on an X-ray or not, whether it beats correctly, whether the aorta and the pulmonary artery are in order.
Radiation diagnosis of heart pathologies
Pathological changes include the detection of changes in size, position and contractile function. You can also see if the heart is enlarged on an x-ray or not.
The volume of the heart is calculated along certain lines. But this method is not accurate, since the doctor may make a mistake in the calculations. Sometimes it happens that the heart moves to the right side. This can occur after injuries and diseases associated with the lungs. The contractile function is considered by many indicators. It can be rhythm, depth, frequency and speed. Also, by radiation diagnosis, various heart diseases can be determined.
Here are the main ones:
- Coronary artery disease. With it, there is a violation of trophism and myocardial contractility, which appears from a decrease in blood flow. On the x-ray can be seen the deformation of the cavity of the left ventricle, aneurysm thrombosis.
- Defects of the mitral and aortic valves. With the first type, there is an increase in the left atrium, a displacement of the bronchus and esophagus. Heart failure occurs. In the second type, its more complex definition is noted. With an initial defect in the aortic valve, it is almost impossible to detect. After the left ventricle becomes much larger. The rounded top moves to the side, emphasizing the waist. The aorta expands, and the right atrium shifts to the side. Because of this, the pressure gets higher. Later, pulmonary edema may develop.
- Tricuspid valve disease. This species is more common than others. With it, an increase in the right atrium and swelling of the lower arc of the heart contour occurs. Due to the insufficiency of the tricuspid valve , changes in the right chambers occur. Because of this, stagnation of blood circulation occurs.
- Heart defects on x-rays can reveal an inborn character. Usually they are determined in childhood. With them, often only x-rays are not enough, but there are exceptions. On it you can see the septal defect and the opening of the ductus arteriosus. Usually, with this pathology, the heart has the shape of a circle. Both atria and ventricle can be enlarged.
- Pericarditis. In the cavity of the heart, you can see the accumulated fluid. His shadow is getting bigger. The heart can take a trapezoidal shape. Due to the strong squeezing by the liquid, it decreases in size over time and becomes a drop.
X-ray contraindications
Even with such a routine procedure as an X-ray, there are certain contraindications. In no case should you do it to pregnant women, as this can lead to pathologies or even a miscarriage. If a person has chronic or mental illnesses, one should also be careful. Do not take an x-ray if there are lung diseases that are infectious in nature, as serious complications can occur. You do not need to do it more than once a year, otherwise strong radiation can be received, which will negatively affect the body.