The human heart is an important and unique organ that not only provides the whole body with energy, trace elements, useful components, oxygen. Any malfunctions, including moderate changes in the myocardium, can provoke disturbances in the work of the heart, and they will already negatively affect the functioning of other organs. An electrocardiogram will help identify any deviation, which is prescribed to patients to pass in the first place, if there are complaints. An ECG helps to identify the cause of the disease, including detecting changes in the myocardium. After the examination, it is easier to choose a treatment and change your lifestyle.
Description of procedure
What does a change in myocardium on an ECG mean? This question excites everyone who has been diagnosed. An electrocardiogram is the simplest and most informative method of examination. With its help, it is possible to analyze the characteristic of an electric charge that helps to contract the heart muscle. All data is collected from electrodes mounted in the ankles, on the wrists and skin in the chest area. Dynamic recording of charges is collected from several sites at once. All changes are read by an electrocardiograph, and then appear on a special tape in the form of graphs. Each of them displays the work of a particular section of the heart muscle.
Thanks to the data obtained, a cardiologist can identify:
- how deep the ischemia struck the organ;
- exactly where the heart attack is localized;
- interruptions in electrolyte metabolism;
- enlargement of the cavities of the heart;
- are there places where the walls are thickened;
- disruptions in the rhythm of the heart;
- toxic damage.
After the ECG, the doctor will be able to accurately diagnose and select the therapy.
Norm and deviations on an ECG
If the electrical activity is homogeneous, then this indicates that there are no changes in the myocardium. What does ECG mean if there is no balance? And this suggests that violations are observed in the body. And there are several types:
- non-specific myocardial changes;
- diffuse;
- dystrophic;
- metabolic.
With the diffuse type, deviations from the norm are noticeable in all departments. They are presented in the form of multiple sections where impulse conduction disturbances are present. On the cardiogram, this is manifested in the form of a decrease in T waves, it is they who are responsible for the repolarization of the ventricles. If a focal lesion is observed, then deviations are observed only in one or two leads.
If the focal type is represented by scars on the tissue, then on the ECG they look like electrically inert areas.
In addition to the fact that the ECG can show any changes in the myocardium of the left ventricle or the right, it also indicates signs of an increase in the departments of the heart: hypertrophy, malfunctions in the rhythm, conduction. This ultimately will give the doctor a complete picture of all the changes and will allow more accurate selection of treatment.
Nonspecific myocardial changes
These failures will not bring the patient significant trouble, because they are completely safe. Most often, they are detected by an ECG. They are associated with recovery functions in the muscles of the heart and appear after such situations:
- stress
- previous infection;
- eating disorders;
- excessive drinking;
- intoxication.
This process is called repolarization in medicine, it does not bring danger, and such changes in the myocardium are reversible. They do not require treatment, the doctor simply recommends that the patient completely review his lifestyle, especially nutrition, so that the situation does not worsen. If you do not follow the recommendations and do not change your diet, then as a result, at first glance, a non-hazardous condition can lead to the development of a heart attack, angina pectoris and heart failure.
Diffuse changes
This is one of the common diseases that evenly affects the heart muscle. It usually manifests itself after a serious inflammation that affects the myocardium, as well as prolonged use of drugs and disorders in the water-salt balance. This pathology provokes serious changes in the metabolic processes of the myocardium. The heart cannot independently synthesize the right amount of oxygen due to a lack of the right amount of nutrients.
Among the main reasons, experts single out the following:
- overweight;
- excessive drinking
- frequent hypothermia;
- increased level of physical activity;
- chronic diseases of an infectious nature;
- frequent stress and nervous strain.
If you timely identify the ailment and begin treatment, then the process is reversible. Sometimes it’s enough just to reconsider your lifestyle, eat well, reduce stress. Moderate myocardial changes can be recognized in the presence of shortness of breath, dark circles under the eyes and increased fatigue. If all these symptoms are observed, then consulting a doctor will not hurt.
Dystrophic disorders
These changes in the myocardium of the left ventricle provoke a lack of useful substances, without which the heart muscle will not function normally. In medicine, a similar condition is referred to as cardiodystrophy, and it appears due to such factors:
- malfunctions in the functioning of the kidneys and liver, because it is these organs that are responsible for metabolic processes;
- diabetes;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- shock affecting the central nervous system;
- severe stress;
- low hemoglobin;
- infectious pathologies of a chronic nature;
- intoxication;
- improper nutrition, provoking vitamin deficiency;
- frequent use of alcohol-containing drinks.
- long-term use of drugs.
Often this condition is detected in adolescents during exams, when they are mentally stressed. But in young children, changes in the myocardium are considered the norm, and all because metabolic processes are not yet perfect. Also, elderly people can suffer from such changes, because in their body metabolic processes slow down.
Metabolic changes
Such failures are not considered serious, they can be determined using an ECG. A person does not feel any changes in his condition: there are no characteristic signs. The causes of moderate changes in the myocardium of this species may be physical overload, stress, taking certain drugs. Therapy is to remove the provoking factors. If you follow all the recommendations of the doctor, then everything quickly normalizes and you can not be afraid of the consequences.
If you ignore the recommendations, metabolic disturbances can provoke disruptions in the biochemical balance. And this condition reduces the flow of oxygen to the heart, which subsequently threatens the development of serious ailments and affects not only the heart muscle, but also other organs.
The main complaints
Starting in the womb, the human heart begins its work and does not stop until the end of its days. He has no breaks in work and vacations. Therefore, over time, even in a healthy person, malfunctions of the main organ are observed, which are manifested by various malfunctions, for example, an increase in blood pressure can be periodically observed.
If there are no complaints, and the changes were found only during a routine inspection, then do not worry. But if various deviations in well-being are manifested, it is better to seek the advice of a doctor. The following symptoms should cause anxiety:
- interruptions in the work of the heart;
- pain in the heart;
- jumps in blood pressure;
- lack of air even with minor physical exertion;
- constant feeling of tiredness;
- drowsiness;
- weakness throughout the body.
If the first disturbing notes in the work of the heart appear, it is better to undergo an examination and find out the cause, in order to prevent complications and irreversible consequences.
Additional diagnostic methods
Despite the fact that the ECG is considered an informative diagnostic method, in some cases, the doctor recommends additional studies to make an accurate diagnosis:
- A clinical blood test determines the level of hemoglobin, as well as ESR and white blood cells, which can tell about the inflammatory process that occurs in the body.
- Biochemistry helps to find out if cholesterol, protein and glucose are normal in order to detect malfunctions in the kidneys and liver.
- Urinalysis measures kidney function.
- Ultrasound is recommended for suspected pathology of the internal organs.
- ECG with load.
- Ultrasound of the heart, which helps to assess the state of the departments of the organ to find out what is the cause of moderate changes in the myocardium, symptoms may not appear.
After the doctor analyzes the patient’s history, he can accurately diagnose and prescribe effective treatment.
Treatment
If moderate myocardial changes were detected on time, then the treatment will be easy and effective. Most often, the specialist recommends that the patient take medications that help normalize the activity of the heart muscle in order to prevent the development of heart failure. As a rule, these are products containing potassium and magnesium salts in their composition. It can be “Panangin” or “Thrompangin”.
It is also recommended that you completely review your diet, reduce stress, avoid stressful situations, stop smoking and drinking alcohol. It is alcohol and its effect on human health that causes irreparable harm to the heart and the organs responsible for metabolic processes.
As for nutrition, the dishes should have as little salt as possible. It is better to give preference to meat and fish of low-fat varieties, which are cooked only in the oven or a double boiler. It is important to enrich your diet with products containing the most important trace elements: potassium, magnesium and iron. Include in menu:
- red and black caviar;
- liver;
- beef tongue;
- fruits, especially apricots and peaches;
- nuts and better cashews;
- figs;
- honey;
- dried fruits.
During treatment, sugar should be replaced with honey.
ethnoscience
There are many good recipes for alternative medicine that help restore heart function. Most of these recipes contain herbal ingredients whose action is aimed at calming the nerves. They help saturate the body with the necessary useful components that are important for the proper functioning of the heart. Among them:
- mint leaves;
- fresh lemon balm and dry;
- motherwort tinctures and decoctions;
- peony tincture;
- hawthorn;
- rosehip;
- cranberry.
For prevention and treatment, you can use a very tasty and healthy mix. For cooking you will need: nuts, raisins, dried apricots, prunes, honey and a couple of lemons. All ingredients are taken in the same amount, but not less than 300 g. Twist the lemons with the peel in a meat grinder, add all the other ingredients, mix the mixture with honey, put in a jar and store in the refrigerator. Take two tablespoons in the morning on an empty stomach. It's no secret that alcohol harms the body. And its effect on human health will help to remove not only special preparations, but also herbs. But before using them, it is better to consult a doctor.
Prevention
In order to prevent moderate changes in the myocardium and help the heart muscle to function properly, it is necessary to ensure the correct exchange in its cells. Only a careful attitude to your health will help not to identify failures on the cardiogram. It is important to adhere to the right lifestyle:
- no bad habits;
- adhere to a normal daily routine;
- monitor nutrition, it must be balanced and fractional;
- an active lifestyle, but without serious physical exertion;
- learn psychological techniques to help deal with stressful situations;
- if necessary, change job;
- regular examination, especially if there was an increase in blood pressure;
- timely treatment of infections and inflammations.
Only an integrated approach and adherence to recommendations will help to avoid serious consequences. The heart is the "motor" of the human body, which needs rest, good nutrition and support. Only with proper care can it last a lifetime, without failures.