Left ventricular hypertrophy occurs as a result of problems in the cardiovascular system. It occurs in people of all age groups, mortality does not exceed 4%. From the left ventricle begins a large circle of blood circulation in the body. The disease develops with constant overload of the heart muscle, as a result of which the walls of this department become denser and thicker.
The concept
As a result of the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, the walls of this part of the heart thicken, compared with the normal state. They become inelastic, and the thickening can be uniform and uneven in the form of separate sections. At the same time, the inner space remains unchanged, the muscle layer grows to the outer side. A change in the septum between the ventricles may be noted.
Since the left ventricle is involved in a large circle of blood circulation, it is large compared to the right. With an increased load, the heart muscle cells begin to grow, and the normal process of their reduction is replaced by an abnormal one, as a result of which the internal organs receive an insufficient amount of blood.
This pathology is typical for hypertensive patients. It is generally considered not an independent disease, but a symptom of one of the cardiovascular ailments. Its development takes place over a number of years.
Classification
Depending on the place where the wall was thickened, left ventricular hypertrophy is divided into several varieties:
- Obstructive cardiomyopathy - protrusion of the enlarged ventricular wall into the chamber lumen is observed.
- Eccentric hypertrophy - occurs due to congestion of the gastric chamber with blood; its discharge into the aortic openings is reduced, which leads to overflow of the chambers, the walls are stretched, the total mass of the ventricle increases.
- Concentric left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy occurs due to excessive blood pressure on the chamber. If narrowing of the aortic valve or hypertension is observed, then the myocardium thickens evenly, helping to reduce the cavity of the left ventricle. Its muscle layer gradually builds up in order to push through the entire volume of blood.
Causes
They are divided into two groups:
- physiological;
- pathological.
The former are associated with excessive loads that are experienced, for example, by athletes, movers, and other people who are engaged in heavy physical labor.
Pathological reasons include the following:
- incorrect structure of walls, partitions;
- poor outflow of blood from the ventricle;
- accompanying illnesses;
- bad habits;
- physical inactivity;
- obesity.
The main pathologies that provoke the occurrence of left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy are:
- glomerulonephritis;
- myocardial infarction;
- heart failure;
- pulmonary edema;
- atherosclerosis of the aorta;
- aortic valve stenosis;
- hypertonic disease.
In the latter case, the left ventricle is forced to contract with great force to push blood.
It has an impact on the development of pathology and the hereditary factor.
Symptoms
Signs of left ventricular hypertrophy for a long time may not be felt. This is due to the fact that initially the walls retain their elasticity, which allows them to pump blood. In some cases, symptoms appear immediately. In others, signs of left ventricular hypertrophy with ECG are detected.
One of the main symptoms of this disease is the development of angina pectoris. In this case, pain appears in the heart, shortness of breath, as well as discomfort in the chest. It is compressive in nature and can be given under the collarbone, left arm or shoulder. At the beginning, attacks of pathology last for 5 minutes, however, as the walls thicken, their duration increases. Overeating, and excessive physical exertion can provoke the onset of this disease.
Other symptoms of left ventricular hypertrophy include the following:
- fainting
- headache;
- arrhythmia;
- fading of the heart ;
- insomnia;
- high blood pressure;
- general weakness of the body;
- fast fatiguability;
- dizziness.
What is the danger of left ventricular hypertrophy?
It can provoke a stroke, myocardial infarction, as well as sudden cardiac arrest, which will lead to death. In addition, heart failure, coronary disease, arrhythmia may appear.
The following people are at risk:
- alcohol abusers;
- smokers
- overweight people.
Diagnostics
Before deciding how to treat left ventricular hypertrophy, you need to correctly diagnose it. To do this, use the following methods:
- calculation of myocardial mass index;
- MRI
- PAT;
- ECG with daily change tracking;
- X-ray, in which the enlarged sizes of the heart and aorta are visible in their shadows;
- Ultrasound of the heart before exercise and after it is completed;
- Doppler test - blood flow in the heart is checked using a load;
- echocardiogram;
- blood and urine tests.
Hypertrophy of the left ventricle on an ECG is manifested by a deviation to the left of the electrical axis of the heart and a high prong V6, RV5. Most of the symptoms on the electrocardiogram are non-specific. It at the time of repolarization is as follows:
- in the thoracic branch V6, the T wave is asymmetric;
- in his lead, the ST segment is below the isoelectric line;
- in assignment V1 positive T is observed;
- in its thoracic branch, the ST segment is located above the isoelectric line.
In order to make a correct diagnosis, you need to know the signs of the disease in the thoracic branches.
In this pathology, 4 stages are distinguished, which are identified by an electrocardiogram:
- QRS complexes have high amplitudes, the ST segment is not biased, the T segment is positive.
- The amplitude of the QRS complex increases, the ST segment shifts discordantly, the T wave either decreases or becomes flattened.
- QRS-complexes increase, the ST-segment and T-wave are dynamically discordant in relation to them.
- Cardiosclerosis develops, which leads to the appearance on the ECG of a secondary decrease in the amplitude of the QRS complex with a change in repolarization similar to the previous stage.
Treatment
It should be preceded by the identification and elimination of the causes of this ailment.
The following drugs are used as drug therapy:
- antihypertensives - “Enalapril”, “Ramipril”;
- beta-adrenergic blocking agents that reduce the need for oxygen in the myocardium and to relieve pain during angina pectoris - “Atenolol”, “Bisoprolol”, “Sotalol”, “Betaxolol” and others;
- calcium channel blockers - in case of rhythm, angina pectoris, heart attack, “Verapamil”, “Diltiazem” are prescribed, with hypertension - “Nimotop”, “Amlodilin”;
- ACE inhibitors - Enalapril, Kapoten and others;
- anticoagulants - to prevent the formation of blood clots in the cons: “Verfarin”.
Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs require a constant increase in the dose taken, while heart rate and blood pressure must be monitored.
With its sharp form of severity, diuretics are used: Navidrex, Indal.
How to treat left ventricular hypertrophy, if therapeutic methods do not give the desired effect? In this case, surgery is used. During the operation, the ventricular wall is brought back to normal. After carry out symptomatic therapy.
No need to hope that the disease will pass by itself. You need to see a doctor.
Surgical intervention
It can be performed in several ways:
- coronary stenting;
- commissurotomy - with this method, the adhesions located at the mouth of the aorta, which are fused as a result of narrowing, are separated;
- transplantation or replacement of the aortic valve ;
- Morrow operation, in which part of the myocardium is removed in the interventricular septum;
- mitral valve replacement.
If all this does not give the expected results, then set the pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator, which should help restore normal heart function.
ethnoscience
What is the best treatment for left ventricular hypertrophy? Like any disease - comprehensively. This makes sense with therapeutic methods. In any case, it is necessary to coordinate with the cardiologist or therapist the reception of traditional medicine. The following may be used in their quality:
- stalks of parsley in the form of a decoction in red wine - its bunch is added to 1 liter of dry wine with the addition of 3 tbsp. l wine vinegar, heated over a small fire with the addition of 300 ml of honey - 1 tbsp. l 4 times a day;
- St. John's wort and honey infusion is prepared from 100 g of grass, filled with 2 l of water, after which it boils for 10 minutes, and after cooling it is filtered, the intake is carried out 1/3 cup half an hour before a meal, adding 1 tbsp. l honey;
- garlic - it is crushed and mixed in equal proportions with honey, leaving to infuse for two weeks, periodically shaking the container in which the infusion is located, take 1 tsp. per day for a year.
You also need to consume baked milk for a long time along with strawberry jam, dried apricots, raisins, dried fruits, grated cranberries with sugar.
Prevention
The success of treatment and the prevention of the disease are largely determined by:
- refusal of bad habits;
- moderate physical activity;
- an optimal diet rich in vitamins, fiber, calcium, magnesium, vegetable fats with a minimum of sugars, salt, fat, muffins.
People who have undergone such a disease should periodically undergo monitoring observations by a cardiologist.
The following products should be excluded from the diet of patients:
- containing a significant amount of animal fat;
- sweets;
- bakery products;
- limit salt intake.
In large quantities, you need to include the following products:
- dairy products;
- fruits and vegetables;
- seafood.
Finally
Left ventricular hypertrophy should be recognized early. This will avoid the consequences threatening human health. People who suspect they have cardiovascular problems should periodically visit a cardiologist to undergo regular examinations. Only a professional will be able to correctly read the ECG and prescribe an effective treatment, which can be both therapeutic and surgical. Alternative medicine can also be used. Its most effective means is the infusion of St. John's wort with honey.