Diffuse changes in the myocardium is a conclusion that is put after such additional diagnostic studies as echocardiography (echocardiogram - ultrasound of the heart) and electrocardiography (ECG). This is not a disease. The conclusion only shows that in the myocardium (cardiac muscle) some changes have been found.
The causes of diffuse changes in the myocardium
A change in myocardium of a diffuse nature mainly occurs:
- because of violation of water-salt metabolism;
- inflammatory diseases of the heart muscle ( myocarditis );
- as a result of the development of connective tissue in place of myocardial fibers.
Also, the causes of diffuse changes may be the use of certain medications and heavy physical exertion. Sometimes moderate diffuse changes in the myocardium appear after diseases that evenly affect the cardiac muscle, that is, the ailment simultaneously affects both the atria, the interventricular septum, and the ventricles.
Signs and diagnosis of myocardial damage
Symptoms of diffuse changes in the myocardium are quite diverse. With such lesions of the myocardium there is:
- shortness of breath ;
- tachycardia;
- hypergenitalism;
- ventricular hypertrophy;
- venous congestion;
- weakness.
It is possible to establish the presence of diffuse metabolic or dystrophic changes in the myocardium only with the help of ECG and echocardiography. But most often the lesions do not have any specific characteristics, so it is possible to put the final diagnosis (eg, myocardial dystrophy or myocarditis) only after examining the patient and obtaining the results of additional studies. But the ECG and echocardiography are very important, because they allow you to see what changes have appeared in the myocardium - diffuse or focal.
On ECG diffuse changes in the myocardium are recorded absolutely in all leads, and focal lesions - only in 1-2 leads. Also, electrocardiogram is always clearly visible violations of rhythm, signs of hypertrophy and conduction of the heart. On echocardiogram, one can see changes in echogenicity in the entire tissue of the myocardium. Using this survey, you can identify:
- expansion of different parts of the heart;
- hypertrophy of the myocardium;
- indirect signs of deterioration of myocardial contractility.
Treatment of diffuse changes in the myocardium
If moderate or severe diffuse changes in the myocardium are a consequence of a certain severe pathology in the body, the treatment will immediately be directed at eliminating the cause of the lesions. From medications the patient needs to take corticosteroid hormones, which have an anti-allergic effect. Does the patient have direct or indirect signs of heart failure? To treat diffuse changes in the myocardium, cardiac glycosides are also used. If the patient has swelling, also use various diuretics. In addition, each patient is assigned vitamins, cocarboxylase, agents that improve metabolism and ATP.
With diffuse-dystrophic changes in the myocardium, anti-inflammatory therapy and antibiotic therapy are necessary. In severe cases, an operation is performed - implantation of the myocardiostimulator.
During the treatment of lesions, exercise is limited. Also, the patient is forbidden to drink alcohol and is recommended to follow a diet. It is necessary to exclude too sharp and fatty food. All consumed foods should be easily digested and do not cause bloating. This, for example, dairy products, vegetables or boiled fish. The amount of liquid and salt is limited to the minimum norm.