The most severe heart defects. How to identify a heart defect. Acquired heart disease: symptoms
Heart disease is a disease of the heart valves in which the organ begins to malfunction. As a result of congenital or acquired changes in the structure of the valve apparatus, cardiac septa, walls, or large vessels extending from the heart, a disturbance in the blood flow of the heart occurs. Congenital heart defects are distinguished by a variety of anomalies in the development of the heart and blood vessels and usually appear in childhood. Acquired defects form at different age periods due to heart damage due to rheumatism and some other diseases.
What is the difference between a congenital heart defect and an acquired one?
Congenital defect hearts
Congenital heart disease is detected in approximately 1% of newborns. The cause of the disease is improper development of the organ inside the womb. Congenital heart disease affects the walls of the myocardium and large adjacent vessels. The disease may progress. If surgery is not performed, the child may develop changes in the structure of the heart, which in some cases can lead to death. With timely surgical intervention, complete restoration of heart function is possible.
Prerequisites for the development of congenital heart disease:
- disorders of fetal development under the influence of pathogenic factors in the first months of pregnancy (radiation, viral infections, vitamin deficiency, uncontrolled intake medicines, including some vitamins);
- parental smoking;
- alcohol consumption by parents.
Acquired heart defect
Acquired heart disease does not occur immediately after birth, but over time. It manifests itself in the form of malfunction of the heart valve apparatus (narrowing of the walls or insufficiency of the heart valves).
Surgical treatment consists of replacing the heart valve with a prosthesis.
If damage to two or more orifices of the heart or valves is detected simultaneously, they speak of a combined acquired defect. To prescribe surgery for an acquired defect, it is classified according to the degree of anatomical changes and disorders.
Causes of acquired heart disease:
Treatment of heart defects
People with heart defects require comprehensive treatment:
- organization of a physical activity regime;
- drug therapy for heart failure and other complications;
- diet;
- physiotherapy.
Surgical treatment is the most effective. Surgical correction is used for both acquired and congenital defects, and operations are increasingly performed on newborns and children from the first year of life.
The acquired defect requires surgical treatment in cases where therapeutic treatment is ineffective and ordinary physical activity causes fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, and angina in patients. Surgeries for acquired defects are performed with the aim of preserving the patient’s own heart valves and restoring their function, including through valvuloplasty (suturing the valves, using animal heart valves, etc.). If valve-sparing surgery is not possible, valves are replaced with mechanical or biological prostheses.
How is heart surgery performed?
Most heart surgeries are performed under artificial circulation. After operations, patients require long-term rehabilitation with a gradual restoration of their physical activity. The deterioration of the operated patient's condition may be associated with the development of complications caused by surgery, so patients should undergo periodic examinations in cardiology centers. With an uncomplicated course of the postoperative period, many patients can return to work 6-12 months after surgery.
* Heart valve - a part of the heart formed by the folds of its inner membrane, ensures unidirectional blood flow.
** Myocardium is the middle muscular layer of the heart, constituting the bulk of its mass.
*** Heart valve insufficiency is a type of heart defect in which, due to incomplete closure of the valve, due to its damage, part of the blood flows back to the parts of the heart from which it came.
**** Myocardial infarction is an acute form of coronary heart disease.
Heart disease is a disease that affects the heart valves as well as the blood circulation. The pathology can be either congenital or acquired throughout life. Acquired defects have varying degrees of danger, as well as different symptomatic manifestations. Today, congenital heart pathology is extremely rare in adults, since after birth, when this diagnosis is confirmed, surgical intervention immediately follows to eliminate the disease. However, if the defect was not noticed at an early age, then its diagnosis will occur in adulthood.
The congenital nature of the pathology is explained by a violation intrauterine development, as well as a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Attention! There are many more root causes that explain the development of an acquired disease, and most of them can be easily prevented by taking good care of your health.
Why does an acquired defect occur?
- A person abuses various bad habits (the influence of nicotine, alcohol, drugs).
- Chronic cardiovascular diseases can also affect the formation of the defect.
- A history of hepatitis virus may develop a predisposition to the disease.
- Heart disease can develop against the background of consequences after illnesses - influenza, rubella, HPV.
- Due to damage to the body by certain dermatological diseases.
- The result of infection with sexually transmitted diseases, namely syphilis and gonorrhea.
- Consequences of atherosclerosis.
- Injury to the neck and spine, damage to the heart muscles.
It is important! All of the above factors can provoke the development of heart disease throughout life. The complexity of the pathology lies in the fact that it cannot be eliminated with the help of therapeutic effects; the only way to cure is surgery.
With respect to health and preventive measures under the supervision of a cardiologist, you can significantly reduce the risk of this cardiac pathology. It is very important not to forget about physical education, as well as to eliminate heavy physical activity and completely give up bad habits. In this case, it is extremely important to pay attention to alarming symptoms and begin timely treatment.
Symptoms in adults
The symptom complex depends on the severity and type of heart defect. For example, detection of pathology can occur immediately upon the appearance of symptoms. But sometimes the disease is not detected in a newborn child, and subsequently develops asymptomatically. Congenital pathology is characterized by the following symptoms, which can occur in both older children and adults:
- Constant shortness of breath.
- Heart murmurs are heard.
- The person often loses consciousness.
- Atypically frequent acute respiratory viral infections are observed.
- No appetite.
- Decreased growth and weight gain (a symptom typical for children).
- The appearance of such a sign as blue discoloration of certain areas (ears, nose, mouth).
- A state of constant lethargy and exhaustion.
Symptoms of congenital pathology can be divided into 4 groups.
| Syndrome | Manifestation |
|---|---|
| Cardiac | A person suffers from constant shortness of breath, notices frequent pain in the heart, rapid heartbeat, the skin is unhealthy pale, sometimes blue skin and even mucous membranes |
| Heart failure | The main manifestation of this syndrome is cyanosis and tachycardia. There is obvious shortness of breath that interferes with normal life activities |
| Chronic hypoxia | Most often it manifests itself in children in the form of developmental problems. A characteristic feature is the deformation process of the nails, as well as the phalanges of the fingers noticeably thicken |
| Respiratory | Expressed in respiratory dysfunction. The pulse becomes too slow or too fast. Protrusion of the abdomen is observed. Sometimes you may experience holding your breath, but most often your breathing is excessively rapid. |
Reference! CHD is divided into two atypical types - blue and white. In the blue form, venous and arterial blood is mixed, and in the second form, there is no mixing of blood.
Symptoms of the blue species are detected in the first years of life. The pathology makes itself felt by a sudden attack, which is characterized by shortness of breath, overexcitation, cyanosis, and sometimes fainting. Signs of the white type of pathology also appear in childhood, but a little later (after 8-9 years), it can be determined by a clear delay in development, this is especially noticeable in the lower part of the body.
Characteristics of acquired pathology
We will talk about valve defects that occur throughout life. Most often it manifests itself in the form of stenosis or heart failure. Such defects significantly impair normal blood flow. The development of acquired anomalies occurs as a result of the consequences of various diseases, excessive physical activity on the heart, expansion of the chambers of the heart. The defect can easily be triggered by an inflammatory process, autoimmune or infectious diseases.
Symptoms
The manifestations of the defect will directly depend on the severity, as well as the type of illness. Thus, the definition of symptoms will depend on the location of the lesion and the number of valves affected. In addition, the symptom complex depends on the functional form of the pathology (more about this in the table).
| Functional form of the defect | Brief description of manifestation |
|---|---|
| A characteristic sign of the defect is shortness of breath. At the initial stages, this symptom manifests itself only after physical exertion, and subsequently - at complete rest. There is a dry cough, sometimes there may be a wet cough with blood discharge. An additional symptom is hoarseness of voice. Other signs: Heartbeat noticeably increases; |
|
| Mitral regurgitation | As in the above case, shortness of breath in the initial stages is only due to exertion, and after that it is characteristic in a calm state. The symptoms are as follows: Heart pain; |
| Aortic insufficiency | Symptoms can be hidden for a long time, since the full functioning of the heart is compensated by the left cardiac ventricle. Further, increased heart pain is observed, which is extremely difficult to eliminate. The signs of this pathology are as follows: Dyspnea; |
| Aortic stenosis | The signs of this pathology remain hidden for a long time. Then characteristic symptoms appear as: Headaches; |
| Tricuspid insufficiency | As an independent pathology, it develops extremely rarely; it is most often diagnosed in combination with other types of valve defects. Symptoms are defined as follows: The pulsation of the veins in the liver area is felt; |
Special attention should be paid to combined defects. In this case, not only one, but several valves are affected. In medical practice, pathologies occur when two defects are observed in one heart valve. Thus, symptoms will manifest depending on the prevalence of the defect.
The unknown is always, at a minimum, alarming or people begin to fear it, and fear paralyzes a person. On a negative wave, wrong and hasty decisions are made, their consequences worsen the situation. Then again fear and again wrong decisions. In medicine, this “loop” situation is called circulus mortum, a vicious circle. How to get out of it? Let shallow but correct knowledge of the basics of the problem help solve it adequately and on time.
What is a heart defect?
Each organ of our body is designed to function rationally in the system for which it is intended. The heart belongs to circulatory system, helps the blood move and saturate it with oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). As it fills and contracts, it “pushes” the blood further into large and then small vessels. If the usual (normal) structure of the heart and its large vessels is disturbed - either before birth, or after birth as a complication of the disease, then we can talk about a defect. That is, a heart defect is a deviation from the norm that interferes with the movement of blood or changes its filling with oxygen and carbon dioxide. Of course, as a result, problems arise for the whole organism, more or less pronounced and of varying degrees of danger.
A little about the physiology of blood circulation
The human heart, like that of all mammals, is divided into two parts by a dense septum. The left one pumps arterial blood, it is bright red and rich in oxygen. The right one is venous blood, it is darker and saturated with carbon dioxide. Normally, the septum (called interventricular) has no holes, and the blood is in the cavities of the heart ( atria And ventricles) does not mix.
Venous blood from the whole body enters the right atrium and ventricle, then into the lungs, where it gives off CO2 and receives O2. There she turns into arterial, passes left atrium and the ventricle, through the vascular system, reaches the organs, gives them oxygen and takes in carbon dioxide, turning into a venous system. Then - again to the right side of the heart and so on.
The circulatory system is closed, which is why it is called “ circulation" There are two such circles, both involve the heart. The circle “right ventricle – lungs – left atrium” is called small, or pulmonary: in the lungs, venous blood becomes arterial and is transmitted further. The circle “left ventricle – organs – right atrium” is called big, passing along its route, the blood from arterial again turns into venous.
Functionally left atrium And ventricle experience a high load, because the large circle is “longer” than the small one. Therefore, on the left, the normal muscular wall of the heart is always somewhat thicker than on the right. The large vessels entering the heart are called veins. Outgoing – arteries. Normally, they do not communicate with each other at all, isolating the flow of venous and arterial blood.
Valves hearts are located between atria And ventricles, and at the border of the entrance and exit of large vessels. The most common problems are with mitral valve (bicuspid, between the left atrium and the ventricle), in second place - aortic(at the point where the aorta exits the left ventricle), then tricuspid(tricuspid, between the right atrium and ventricle), and in the “outsiders” - pulmonary valve, at its exit from the right ventricle. The valves are mainly involved in the manifestations of acquired heart defects.
Video: principles of blood circulation and heart function. (Important for understanding hemodynamics with defects)
What are heart defects?
Let's consider the classification, adapted for patients.
- Congenital and acquired - changes in normal structure And position hearts and his large vessels appeared either before or after birth.
- Isolated and combined - changes are either single or multiple.
- C (so-called “blue”) – the skin changes its normal color to a bluish tint, or without cyanosis. Distinguish generalized cyanosis(general) and acrocyanosis(fingers and toes, lips and tip of the nose, ears).
I. Congenital heart defects (CHD)
Disturbances in the anatomical structure of the child’s heart are formed in utero(during pregnancy), but appear only after birth. To get a more complete picture of the problem, see pictures of heart defects.
For convenience, they were classified based on blood flow through the lungs, that is small circle.
- CHD with increased pulmonary blood flow – with cyanosis and without it;
- CHD with normal pulmonary blood flow;
- CHD with reduced blood flow through the lungs – with cyanosis and without it.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
Depending on the degree of defect and disruption of blood flow, the concepts were introduced compensated(due to thickening of the walls of the heart and increased contractions, blood flows in normal volumes) and decompensated(the heart enlarges too much, muscle fibers do not receive proper nutrition, the strength of contractions decreases) acquired defects.
Mitral valve insufficiency
Function of healthy (top) and damaged (bottom) valves
Incomplete closure of the valves is the result of their inflammation and consequences in the form of sclerosis(replacing “working” elastic fabrics with rigid connective fibers). Blood during contraction left ventricle is thrown in the opposite direction, into left atrium. As a result, a greater force of contraction is needed to “return” the blood flow to the side aorta, And hypertrophies(thickens) the entire left side of the heart. Gradually developing failure in a small circle, and then - a violation of the outflow venous blood from the systemic circulation, the so-called.
Signs: mitral flush(pinkish-blue color of lips and cheeks). Trembling of the chest, felt even by the hand - it is called cat purring, And acrocyanosis(bluish tint of hands and toes, nose, ears and lips). Such picturesque symptoms are possible only with decompensated vice, and with compensated they don't exist.
Treatment and prognosis: in advanced cases, for prevention , required . Patients live a long time, many do not even suspect the disease, if it is in compensation stages. It is important to treat all inflammatory diseases in a timely manner.
picture: mitral valve replacement
Mitral stenosis (narrowing of the valve between the left atrium and ventricle)
Signs: if the vice decompensated, when measuring blood pressure bottom digit ( diastolic pressure) can drop to almost zero. Patients complain of dizziness if the body position changes quickly (lying down and standing up), and attacks of suffocation at night. The skin is pale, the pulsation of the arteries in the neck is visible ( carotid dance) and shaking the head. Pupils eyes and capillaries under the nails (visible when pressing on nail plate) also pulsate.
Treatment: preventive – for compensated defect, radical - artificial is sewn in aortic valve.
Forecast: isolated vice in about 30% they are found by chance during a routine examination. If the defect valve small and not pronounced, people do not even suspect about the vice and live a full life.
The consequence of aortic disease is heart failure, stagnation of blood in the ventricle
Aortic stenosis, isolated defect
It is difficult for blood to escape from left ventricle V aorta: This requires more effort and the muscular walls of the heart thicken. The less aortic orifice, the more pronounced hypertrophy left ventricle.
Signs: associated with a decrease in income arterial blood to the brain and other organs. Paleness, dizziness and fainting, heart hump(if the defect developed in childhood), attacks of pain in the heart ().
Treatment: we reduce physical activity, carry out restorative treatment - if there is no pronounced circulatory failure. In severe cases - only surgery, valve replacement or dissection of its valves ( commissurotomy).
Combined aortic disease
Two in one: failure valves+ narrowing aortic orifice. Such aortic disease heart is much more common than isolated. Signs are the same as for aortic stenosis, just less noticeable. In severe variants, stagnation begins in small circle, accompanied cardiac asthma And pulmonary edema.
Treatment: symptomatic and preventive - in mild cases, in severe cases - surgery, replacement aortic valve or dissection of its “fused” valves. The prognosis for life is favorable, with adequate and timely treatment.
Video: causes, diagnosis and treatment of aortic stenosis
Tricuspid (three leaflet) valve insufficiency
Due to loose closure valve,blood from right ventricle thrown back into right atrium. His ability compensate for the vice low, so it starts quickly venous blood stagnation V big circle.
Signs: cyanosis, veins necks are full and throbbing, arterial pressure slightly lowered. In severe cases - swelling and ascites(fluid accumulation in abdominal cavity ). Treatment is conservative, mainly to eliminate venous stagnation. The prognosis depends on the severity of the condition.
Stenosis of the right atrioventricular (between the right atrium and ventricle) opening
Obstructed blood flow from right atrium V right ventricle. Venous stagnation quickly spreads to liver, it increases, then develops cardiac fibrosis of the liver– active tissue is replaced connecting(scar). Appears ascites, are common swelling.
Signs: pain and feeling of heaviness in hypochondrium on right, cyanosis with a yellow tint, always - pulsation neck veins Arterial pressure reduced; liver enlarged and pulsating.
Treatment: is aimed at reducing swelling, but it is better not to delay the operation.
Forecast: Normal well-being is possible with moderate physical activity. activity. If appeared and cyanosis- quickly see a heart surgeon.
Summary: purchased- mostly rheumatic heart defects. Their treatment is aimed both at the underlying disease and at reducing the consequences of the defect. In case of severe circulatory decompensation, only surgery is effective.
Important! Treatment for heart defects may have a better chance of success if people see their doctor on time. Moreover, malaise as a reason for going to the doctor is not at all necessary: you can simply ask for advice and, if necessary, undergo basic examinations. A smart doctor does not allow his patients to get sick. An important note: the age of the doctor does not really matter. What is really important is his professional level, ability to analyze and synthesize, and intuition.
From this article you will learn: what types of heart diseases are there (congenital and acquired). Their causes, symptoms and treatment methods (medical and surgical).
Article publication date: 03/02/2017
Article updated date: 05/29/2019
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death. Russian statistics show that about 55% of all deceased citizens suffered from diseases of this group.
Therefore, knowing the signs of cardiac pathologies is important for everyone in order to identify the disease in time and begin treatment immediately.
It is equally important to undergo a preventive examination by a cardiologist at least once every 2 years, and from the age of 60 - every year.
The list of heart diseases is extensive, it is presented in the content. They are much easier to treat if diagnosed at an early stage. Some of them are completely curable, others are not, but in any case, if you start therapy at early stage, you can avoid further development of pathology, complications and reduce the risk of death.
Coronary heart disease (CHD)
This is a pathology in which there is insufficient blood supply to the myocardium. The cause is atherosclerosis or thrombosis of the coronary arteries.
Classification of IHD
Acute coronary syndrome is worth talking about separately. Its symptom is a prolonged (more than 15 minutes) attack of chest pain. This term does not denote a separate disease, but is used when it is impossible to distinguish myocardial infarction from myocardial infarction based on symptoms and ECG. The patient is given a preliminary diagnosis of “acute coronary syndrome” and immediately begins thrombolytic therapy, which is needed for any acute form of coronary artery disease. The final diagnosis is made after blood tests for markers of infarction: cardiac troponin T and cardiac troponin 1. If their levels are elevated, the patient has had myocardial necrosis.
Symptoms of IHD
A sign of angina pectoris is attacks of burning, squeezing pain behind the sternum. Sometimes the pain radiates to the left side, to various parts of the body: shoulder blade, shoulder, arm, neck, jaw. Less often, pain is localized in the epigastrium, so patients may think that they have problems with the stomach and not with the heart.
With stable angina, attacks are provoked by physical activity. Depending on the functional class of angina (hereinafter referred to as FC), pain can be caused by stress of varying intensity.
| 1 FC | The patient tolerates daily activities well, such as long walking, light jogging, climbing stairs, etc. Attacks of pain occur only during high-intensity physical activity: fast running, repeated weight lifting, playing sports, etc. |
|---|---|
| 2 FC | An attack may occur after walking more than 0.5 km (7–8 minutes without stopping) or climbing stairs higher than 2 floors. |
| 3 FC | A person’s physical activity is significantly limited: walking 100–500 m or climbing to the 2nd floor can trigger an attack. |
| 4 FC | Attacks are triggered by even the slightest physical activity: walking less than 100 m (for example, moving around the house). |
Unstable angina differs from stable angina in that attacks become more frequent, begin to appear at rest, and can last longer - 10-30 minutes.
Cardiosclerosis is manifested by chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and rhythm disturbances.
According to statistics, about 30% of patients die from this heart disease within 24 hours without seeing a doctor. Therefore, carefully study all the signs of MI in order to call an ambulance in time.
Symptoms of MI
| Form | Signs |
|---|---|
| Anginal – the most typical | Pressing, burning pain in the chest, sometimes radiating to the left shoulder, arm, shoulder blade, left side of the face. The pain lasts from 15 minutes (sometimes even a day). Not removable by Nitroglycerin. Analgesics only weaken it temporarily. Other symptoms: shortness of breath, arrhythmias. |
| Asthmatic | An attack of cardiac asthma develops, caused by acute failure of the left ventricle. Main signs: feeling of suffocation, lack of air, panic. Additional: cyanosis of the mucous membranes and skin, accelerated heartbeat. |
| Arrhythmic | High heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness, possible fainting. |
| Abdominal | Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the shoulder blades, nausea, vomiting. Often even doctors initially confuse it with gastrointestinal diseases. |
| Cerebrovascular | Dizziness or fainting, vomiting, numbness in an arm or leg. The clinical picture of such an MI is similar to an ischemic stroke. |
| Asymptomatic | The intensity and duration of pain is the same as with normal pain. There may be slight shortness of breath. Distinctive feature pain - Nitroglycerin tablet does not help. |
Treatment of coronary artery disease
| Stable angina | Relieving an attack - Nitroglycerin. Long-term therapy: Aspirin, beta-blockers, statins, ACE inhibitors. |
|---|---|
| Unstable angina | Emergency care: call an ambulance if an attack of greater intensity than usual occurs, and also give the patient an Aspirin tablet and a Nitroglycerin tablet every 5 minutes 3 times. In the hospital, the patient will be given calcium antagonists (Verapamil, Diltiazem) and Aspirin. The latter will need to be taken on an ongoing basis. |
| Myocardial infarction | Emergency help: call a doctor immediately, 2 tablets of Aspirin, Nitroglycerin under the tongue (up to 3 tablets with an interval of 5 minutes). Upon arrival, doctors will immediately begin this treatment: they will inhale oxygen, administer a morphine solution, if Nitroglycerin does not relieve the pain, and administer Heparin to thin the blood. Further treatment: pain relief with intravenous Nitroglycerin or narcotic analgesics; preventing further necrosis of myocardial tissue with the help of thrombolytics, nitrates and beta-blockers; constant use of Aspirin. Blood circulation in the heart is restored using the following surgical operations: coronary angioplasty, stenting,. |
| Cardiosclerosis | The patient is prescribed nitrates, cardiac glycosides, ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, Aspirin, diuretics. |
Chronic heart failure
This is a condition of the heart in which it is unable to fully pump blood throughout the body. The reason is heart and vascular diseases (congenital or acquired defects, ischemic heart disease, inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypertension, etc.).
In Russia, more than 5 million people suffer from CHF.
Stages of CHF and their symptoms:
- 1 – initial. This is mild left ventricular failure that does not lead to hemodynamic (circulatory) disturbances. There are no symptoms.
- Stage 2A. Poor circulation in one of the circles (usually the small circle), enlargement of the left ventricle. Signs: shortness of breath and palpitations with little physical exertion, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, dry cough, swelling of the legs.
- Stage 2B. Hemodynamics are impaired in both circles. The chambers of the heart undergo hypertrophy or dilatation. Signs: shortness of breath at rest, aching pain in the chest, blue tint of the mucous membranes and skin, arrhythmias, cough, cardiac asthma, swelling of the limbs, abdomen, enlarged liver.
- Stage 3. Severe circulatory disorders. Irreversible changes in the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys. All signs characteristic of stage 2B intensify, and symptoms of damage appear internal organs. Treatment is no longer effective.
Treatment
First of all, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary.
Symptomatic drug treatment is also carried out. The patient is prescribed:
- ACE inhibitors, beta blockers or aldosterone antagonists - to lower blood pressure and prevent further progression of heart disease.
- Diuretics - to eliminate edema.
- Cardiac glycosides - for the treatment of arrhythmias and improvement of myocardial performance.
Valve defects
There are two typical types of valve pathologies: stenosis and insufficiency. With stenosis, the valve lumen is narrowed, making it difficult to pump blood. In case of insufficiency, the valve, on the contrary, does not close completely, which leads to the outflow of blood in the opposite direction.
More often, such heart valve defects are acquired. Appear in the background chronic diseases(for example, coronary artery disease), previous inflammation or poor lifestyle.
The aortic and mitral valves are most susceptible to disease.
Symptoms and treatment of the most common valve diseases:
| Name | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aortic stenosis | At the initial stage there are no signs, so it is very important to undergo regular preventive examination hearts. At a severe stage, attacks of angina pectoris, fainting during physical exertion, pale skin, and low systolic blood pressure appear. |
Drug treatment of symptoms (due to valve defects). Valve replacement. |
| Aortic valve insufficiency | Increased heart rate, shortness of breath, cardiac asthma (attacks of suffocation), fainting, low diastolic blood pressure. | |
| Mitral stenosis | Shortness of breath, enlarged liver, swelling of the abdomen and limbs, sometimes hoarseness of the voice, rarely (in 10% of cases) pain in the heart. | |
| Mitral valve insufficiency | Shortness of breath, dry cough, cardiac asthma, swelling of the legs, pain in the right hypochondrium, aching pain in the heart. |
Mitral valve prolapse
Another common pathology is. Occurs in 2.4% of the population. This is a congenital defect in which the valve leaflets “sink” into the left atrium. In 30% of cases it is asymptomatic. In the remaining 70% of patients, doctors note shortness of breath, pain in the heart area, accompanied by nausea and a feeling of a “lump” in the throat, arrhythmias, fatigue, dizziness, and frequent increases in temperature to 37.2–37.4.
Treatment may not be required if the disease is asymptomatic. If the defect is accompanied by arrhythmias or pain in the heart, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. If the valve changes significantly, surgical correction is possible. Since the disease progresses with age, patients need to be examined by a cardiologist 1-2 times a year.
Ebstein's anomaly
Ebstein's anomaly is a displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets into the right ventricle. Symptoms: shortness of breath, paroxysmal tachycardia, fainting, swelling of the veins in the neck, enlargement of the right atrium and the upper part of the right ventricle.
Treatment for asymptomatic cases is not carried out. If the symptoms are severe, surgical correction or valve transplantation is performed.
Congenital heart defects
Congenital anomalies of the heart structure include:
- Atrial septal defect is the presence of communication between the right and left atria.
- A ventricular septal defect is an abnormal communication between the right and left ventricles.
- The Eisenmenger complex is a high-lying ventricular septal defect, the aorta is displaced to the right and connects simultaneously with both ventricles (aortic dextroposition).
- Patent ductus arteriosus - the communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, which is normally present at the embryonic stage of development, is not closed.
- Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four defects: ventricular septal defect, aortic dextroposition, pulmonary stenosis and right ventricular hypertrophy.
Congenital heart defects - signs and treatment:
| Name | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Atrial septal defect | With a small defect, signs begin to appear in middle age: after 40 years. This is shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue. Over time, chronic heart failure develops with all characteristic symptoms. The larger the defect, the earlier the symptoms begin to appear. | Surgical closure of the defect. Doesn't always happen. Indications: ineffective drug treatment CHF, retardation in physical development in children and adolescents, increased blood pressure in the pulmonary circle, arteriovenous discharge. Contraindications: venoarterial shunt, severe left ventricular failure. |
| Ventricular septal defect | If the defect is less than 1 cm in diameter (or less than half the diameter of the aortic orifice), only shortness of breath is characteristic during moderate-intensity physical activity. If the defect is larger than the specified size: shortness of breath with light exertion or at rest, heart pain, cough. |
Surgical closure of the defect. |
| Eisenmenger complex | Clinical picture: bluish skin, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, signs of CHF. | Medication: beta-blockers, endothelin antagonists. Surgery to close the septal defect, correct the aortic origin, and replace the aortic valve is possible, but patients often die during the procedure. The average life expectancy of a patient is 30 years. |
| Tetralogy of Fallot | Blue tint of mucous membranes and skin, retarded growth and development (both physical and intellectual), seizures, low blood pressure, symptoms of heart failure. Average life expectancy is 12–15 years. 50% of patients die before the age of 3 years. |
Surgical treatment is indicated for all patients without exception. In early childhood, surgery is performed to create an anastomosis between the subclavian and pulmonary arteries to improve blood circulation in the lungs. At 3–7 years of age, radical surgery can be performed: simultaneous correction of all 4 anomalies. |
| Patent ductus arteriosus | It lasts for a long time without clinical signs. Over time, shortness of breath and palpitations, pallor or a blue tint to the skin, and low diastolic blood pressure appear. | Surgical closure of the defect. Indicated for all patients, except for those who have right-to-left shunting. |
Inflammatory diseases
Classification:
- Endocarditis – affects the inner lining of the heart, the valves.
- Myocarditis – muscle membrane.
- Pericarditis - the pericardial sac.
They can be caused by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), autoimmune processes (for example, rheumatism) or toxic substances.
Heart inflammation can also be complications of other diseases:
- tuberculosis (endocarditis, pericarditis);
- syphilis (endocarditis);
- flu, sore throat (myocarditis).
Pay attention to this and consult a doctor promptly if you suspect flu or sore throat.
Symptoms and treatment of inflammation
| Name | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Endocarditis | High temperature (38.5–39.5), increased sweating, rapidly developing valve defects (detected by echocardiography), heart murmurs, enlarged liver and spleen, increased fragility of blood vessels (hemorrhages under the nails and in the eyes can be seen), thickening of the tips fingers. | Antibacterial therapy for 4–6 weeks, valve transplantation. |
| Myocarditis | It can occur in several ways: attacks of pain in the heart; symptoms of heart failure; or with extrasystole and supraventricular arrhythmias. An accurate diagnosis can be made based on a blood test for cardiac-specific enzymes, troponins, and leukocytes. | Bed rest, diet (No. 10 with salt restriction), antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy, symptomatic treatment of heart failure or arrhythmias. |
| Pericarditis | Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, cough without sputum, heaviness in the right hypochondrium. | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, in severe cases - subtotal or total pericardiectomy (removal of part or all of the pericardial sac). |
Rhythm disorders
Reasons: neuroses, obesity, unhealthy diet, cervical osteochondrosis, bad habits, intoxication with drugs, alcohol or drugs, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, premature ventricular excitation syndromes. The latter are heart diseases in which there are additional impulse pathways between the atria and ventricles. You will read about these anomalies in a separate table.
Characteristics of rhythm disturbances:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Sinus tachycardia | Rapid heartbeat (90–180 per minute) while maintaining the normal rhythm and normal pattern of impulse propagation throughout the heart. |
| Atrial fibrillation (flicker) | Uncontrolled, irregular and frequent (200–700 per minute) atrial contractions. |
| Atrial flutter | Rhythmic contractions of the atria with a frequency of about 300 per minute. |
| Ventricular fibrillation | Chaotic, frequent (200–300 per minute) and incomplete ventricular contractions. Lack of complete contraction provokes acute circulatory failure and fainting. |
| Ventricular flutter | Rhythmic contractions of the ventricles with a frequency of 120–240 per minute. |
| Paroxysmal supraventricular (supraventricular) tachycardia | Attacks of rhythmic rapid heartbeat (100–250 per minute) |
| Extrasystole | Spontaneous contractions out of rhythm. |
| Conduction disorders (sinoatrial block, interatrial block, atrioventricular block, bundle branch block) | Slowing down the rhythm of the entire heart or individual chambers. |
Syndromes of premature excitation of the ventricles:
| WPW syndrome (Wolf–Parkinson–White syndrome) | CLC syndrome (Clerc-Levy-Christesco) |
|---|---|
| Signs: paroxysmal (paroxysmal) supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia (in 67% of patients). Accompanied by a feeling of increased heartbeat, dizziness, and sometimes fainting. | Symptoms: tendency to attacks of supraventricular tachycardia. During them, the patient feels a strong heartbeat and may feel dizzy. |
| Cause: the presence of a bundle of Kent, an abnormal pathway between the atrium and ventricle. | Cause: the presence of a James bundle between the atrium and the atrioventricular junction. |
| Both diseases are congenital and quite rare. | |
Treatment of rhythm disturbances
It consists of treating the underlying disease, adjusting diet and lifestyle. Antiarrhythmic drugs are also prescribed. Radical treatment for severe arrhythmias is the installation of a defibrillator-cardioverter, which will “set” the rhythm of the heart and prevent ventricular or atrial fibrillation. In case of conduction disturbances, electrical cardiac stimulation is possible.
Treatment of premature ventricular excitation syndromes can be symptomatic (elimination of attacks with medications) or radical (radiofrequency ablation of the abnormal conduction pathway).
Cardiomyopathies
These are myocardial diseases that cause heart failure, not associated with inflammatory processes or pathologies of the coronary arteries.
The most common are hypertrophic and. Hypertrophic is characterized by the growth of the walls of the left ventricle and the interventricular septum, dilated - by an increase in the cavity of the left and sometimes right ventricles. The first is diagnosed in 0.2% of the population. Occurs in athletes and can cause sudden cardiac death. But in this case, it is necessary to carry out a careful differential diagnosis between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and non-pathological enlargement of the heart in athletes.
Symptoms of heart disease in adults and the treatment of this disease are one of the most important areas of work for cardiologists. This is due to the fact that this disease causes a large number of disabled people among adults, especially when it comes to acquired heart disease.
Experts are working to determine the mechanisms of the disease and the correct treatment of its manifestations.
A heart defect is a lesion of an important organ of the human body, namely the components of the heart:
- valves;
- myocardium;
- partitions.
This defect results in the inability to properly pump the available blood mass.
The pathology, according to some medical scientists, can also affect the large vessels of the heart (aorta, Botal duct, etc.).
Disruption of the rhythmic functioning of the heart leads to the appearance of stagnant processes in various tissues and large veins. Ultimately, this can lead to hypoxia.
The severity of the disease is determined by the development of pathology according to one of the types, due to different causes. It is also necessary to take into account the occurrence of possible concomitant complications and the prognosis for a favorable outcome of treatment.
Causes of the disease
The causes of this complex and dangerous disease include:
- presence of infectious diseases;
- autoimmune deficiency;
- bad heredity.
The valve apparatus of the heart is primarily affected negatively. In the case of an infectious pathology, the pathogen enters the heart with the blood and begins to actively multiply, affecting the valves. Sepsis develops, and bacteria destroy the walls of the valves. This process leads to mitral disease and heart failure, which develop against the background of fusion of the lateral sections of the valve and stenosis, when part of the leaflet cannot close the valve during ventricular systole.
In autoimmune deficiency, heart disease can be caused by a common infection. Since the antigenic molecules of bacteria have the same structure as the collagen antigens of cardiac connective tissue, the body, while producing antibodies against infection, simultaneously attacks itself. The consequence of this is mitral or aortic heart disease.
Heart defects caused by heredity are less common, but they are considered no less severe. The pathological process consists of improper development of the connective tissue of the heart valve. Defects include fusion of the walls, partial closure of the valve during systole, and sagging of the leaflets.
Types of heart defects and characteristic damage
Severe cardiac pathology has two types:
- purchased;
- congenital.
They have different causes, but the mechanism of damage is similar.
Acquired defects are characterized by the following pathologies:
- Valve damage. The valves and structures that cover the chambers of the heart are deformed. These may be mitral and tricuspid defects, aortic valve insufficiency.
- Deviation in the width of the openings between different chambers of the heart. This leads to impaired blood flow. The following changes are possible: narrowing of the aortic mouth, as well as the atrioventricular opening on the right, mitral stenosis.
- Changes in the structure of the heart membranes. The process occurs against the background of severe inflammation of the body. This could be sepsis, rheumatism, or other infections that destroy the myocardium, epicardium, and endocardium.
Congenital defects form in the body during the formation of embryonic organs against the background of infections. The following pathologies are characteristic of such defects:
- septal defects between the ventricles;
- non-closure is observed in the Botallov duct;
- there is stenosis of the pulmonary artery or aortic isthmus;
- the position of the main drainage vessels changes;
- underdevelopment of one of the ventricles is formed.
Correct identification of the type is the basis of how to treat heart disease. This is especially true for adults, as the symptoms may be similar to other diseases.
Classification of acquired defects
In medical theory and practice today there is a fairly serious classification of defects. Groups are distinguished depending on different bases.
Pathologies of valve damage cause insufficiency and stenosis. In the first case, there is a reverse flow of blood due to a loosely closed valve, in the second, the valve leaflets do not open well, and the blood from the atrium does not enter the ventricle sufficiently.
Depending on which valve is affected, mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary artery heart defects are distinguished.
If the pathological process involves one valve, then they speak of monovalvular heart disease. Stenosis or insufficiency results in simple heart disease, and their mutual presence results in combined heart defects. When several valves are affected, a combined heart defect is diagnosed.
Finally, different hemodynamic conditions can be the cause of compensated, decompensated, subcompensated heart defects.
Symptoms
Congenital heart defects in adults are very severe. This is explained by the fact that with the individual development of the body, the disease progresses.
Such frequent disorders as combined heart defects, transposition of blood vessels, and ASD are noted. Another feature is that a septal defect between the ventricles is less common. But the septum between the atria suffers more.
The symptoms of congenital heart disease are similar to those of acquired heart disease. In individual cases, the signs appear more clearly.
Symptoms of heart disease in adults include:
- inability to perform strenuous physical activity;
- fatigue when performing even light loads;
- feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the chest area;
- general weakness, dizziness;
- lack of air during physical activity, as well as in a lying position;
- palpitations;
- pale skin;
- swelling of the legs in the evening;
- a dry, continuous cough that gets worse as the disease progresses.
Besides different types Heart defects have their own specific symptoms, which can only be diagnosed by a doctor. Such symptoms include, for example, hoarseness with mitral stenosis and the like.
Factors determining therapy
In the case of an acquired disease, preventive measures must be taken to combat the underlying causes.
If a patient has a similar problem, then mandatory treatment of concomitant diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, is indicated.
When syphilis is diagnosed, it requires full treatment until deregistration.
If rheumatic attacks often occur, then they need to be stopped and, if possible, prevented, otherwise they will contribute to the progression of the disease.
If there have been serious injuries or illnesses, then all complications must be completely cured, as they will aggravate the situation.
In the treatment of heart disease, the following methods of influence are used:
- Therapeutic treatment. Based on regular intake of medications from different groups (vasodilators, nootropic, antihypertensive, cardiac, diuretic, antithrombic, vitamins);
- Surgery. It is used in 80% of the treatment of the disease. Aimed at eliminating existing heart defects.
- The use of folk remedies.
- Physiotherapy. Helps improve blood flow in the heart area.
Another way to treat heart disease is diet. It provides the heart with energy material (cardiotrophic), fights inflammation and allergies (anti-inflammatory).
Diagnostics
Heart disease is a very serious disease, and it can only be cured by conducting a special diagnosis and eliminating all associated complications.
A cardiologist treats such patients. He carefully talks with the patient, studying his complaints, examines him visually, listens (auscultation) and taps (percussion) the heart.
If a displacement of the borders of the heart is detected, as well as characteristic noises identified during the initial examination, the doctor can diagnose a heart defect, and to confirm this, prescribe an additional examination.
Hardware research methods include:
- Electrocardiography. She can catch the violation heart rate and myocardial ischemia.
- Echocardiography. Able to visualize and evaluate various lesions of the heart valve apparatus.
- X-ray of the chest organs. It can reveal signs of stagnation of venous blood in the lungs, clarify the presence/absence of effusion in the pleural cavity.
- Computed or magnetic resonance imaging. Helps to study cardiac disorders in detail and determine the tactics of therapeutic management of the patient.
- Laboratory research. They give a complete picture of the blood composition and help prescribe appropriate treatment.
Only a comprehensive examination will help organize the correct treatment of a patient with heart disease.
Treatment methods for acquired heart disease
The cause of this type is most often endocarditis. This defect is divided into several types and requires special medications in each case.
- Mitral stenosis. The most common, it occurs more often in women. Treatment consists of observation, hospitalization, surgery if necessary, and the use of medications (Digoxin, diuretics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents).
- Mitral insufficiency. It is more typical for men and occurs in a moderate form of severity. Treatment: registration with a cardio-rheumatologist, prevention of rheumatism, taking medications (glycosides, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, digoxin, anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents), surgery.
- Mitral prolapse. Characteristic of young women. Does not require special treatment. Drugs: Amiodarone, antiplatelet agents. Treatment: prevention of mitral insufficiency, consultation with a surgeon, surgery.
- Aortic stenosis. It occurs more often in men. Monitoring by a cardiologist and avoidance of physical activity are recommended. Drugs: nitrates. An operation involving valve replacement is indicated.
- Aortic insufficiency. Concerns men, caused by endocarditis. Consultation with a cardio-rheumatologist is required to prevent rheumatism. Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and glycosides are prescribed. Possible surgery.
- Tricuspid insufficiency. Occurs in severe cases of the defect. The prognosis is unfavorable.
Treatment methods for congenital heart disease
For congenital pathologies, treatment is based on providing assistance to the patient and taking preventive measures in the event of attacks of heart failure. Only a doctor can prescribe medications for this pathology.
Drug therapy is provided by the following groups of drugs:
- diuretics;
- cardiac glycosides;
- vitamin therapy (D, C, E) to maintain immunity and provide an antioxidant effect;
- preparations based on magnesium and potassium;
- anabolic hormones;
- oxygen inhalation if necessary;
- according to indications, antiarrhythmic drugs;
- blood thinning medications.
Such conservative treatment can be prescribed to the patient during preparation for surgery and in the postoperative period.
Also, patients with congenital heart disease must undergo annual sanatorium-resort treatment in special cardiology centers.
Equally important is adherence to diet and avoidance of heavy physical activity. To prevent oxygen starvation, you need to do oxygen inhalations.
If all conditions are met, the condition of a patient with congenital heart disease can be stabilized.
Operation
Surgery for congenital heart disease is usually performed on babies under one year of age, since otherwise up to 70% of children do not survive without help. If the patient’s condition does not cause concern, then the surgical intervention is postponed to a later date.
Among adults, cases of congenital heart defects are very rare. But even here there are situations when surgery is necessary. Its timing is determined based on the severity of the disease.
Today, surgeons perform several types of surgical interventions:
- in case of pathology of the opening of the ductus arteriosus, ligation is done and the unnecessary vessel is cut off;
- if there is a narrowing of the vessel, it is expanded or the defective part is removed;
- violations of the partitions between the atria and ventricles are corrected using plastic surgery;
- if necessary, change the location of the outflow vessels of the heart;
- a special ring is implanted to prevent vascular fusion;
- valves are implanted.
The valves used are mechanical, made of metal with a service life of up to 50 years, and biological, taken from human and animal tissues with a service life of up to 12 years. The latter are more often used in transplantology for older people, because they have contraindications to anticoagulants.
Also, in adult patients, there are repeated operations, since the interval between surgical interventions must be at least a year.
Treatment with folk remedies
Traditional medicine offers many recipes that will help cure manifestations of heart disease.
Alternative methods of treating the defect are based on the use of the following medicinal herbs, vegetables and berries:
- Drops based on lily of the valley. Pour alcohol into the flowers, leave, strain and take 15 k/3 times a day.
- Potato diet. During the day (6 times), eat 1 kg of boiled unsalted potatoes in small portions.
- Mint infusion. Brew a teaspoon of leaves with boiling water (300 ml), leave. Drink the strained one-day infusion 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
- Beetroot juice with honey in a 2:1 ratio. Take in small portions to support cardiac function.
- Grape juice. Drink in the morning before meals. Especially recommended for older people.
- Tincture of calendula. 1 tbsp/1 l. vodka, leave for up to a week, strain. Take 20 ml/up to 3 times a day.
- Hawthorn tincture. 2 tsp/0.5 l. boiling water, leave for 24 hours, strain. Take 5 ml/2 times a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.
- Coltsfoot tincture. Infuse for 3 days 20 gr. leaves filled with 1 liter. boiling water Take the finished infusion 15 ml/2 times a day after meals.
- Motherwort tincture. Pour boiling water over the leaves (20 g/1 l). Drink the strained daily infusion 10 ml/3 times a day after meals.
Many tinctures can be bought ready-made at the pharmacy. They improve heart function, have a calming effect, and strengthen the blood vessels of the heart. Their use successfully answers the question of whether heart disease can be cured.
Heart disease is a disease that requires serious attitude to health. Strengthening the immune system and prevention will give positive results.