The human heart consists of four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The blood is delivered from the veins to the atrium, after which it is pushed into the ventricles. Further, the right ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary arteries, and the left ventricle into the aorta and then into the numerous arteries that extend to the various organs. Those. the left ventricle provides circulation of blood along a large circle of blood circulation.
In our time, such a pathology as myocardial hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart is often diagnosed, signaling about the complicated conditions in which the heart muscle is located. Hypertrophy of the left ventricle means excessive thickening and thickening of the muscular tissue of the wall of this part of the heart with the preservation of the volume of the cavity. This, in turn, can cause a change in the septum between the left and right ventricles, a violation in the operation of the valvular valves. Hypertrophic changes lead to loss of elasticity of the wall, while the thickening can be uneven.
Causes of hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart
The most common factors leading to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy are:
- Stably high blood pressure;
- significant physical exertion (related to sports or work);
- frequent stressful situations;
- cardiac ischemia;
- atrial fibrillation;
- arteriosclerosis of blood vessels ;
- diabetes;
- overweight;
- muscular dystrophy;
- bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic factor.
Signs of left ventricular hypertrophy
Pathology can develop in different ways, and, therefore, it is not the same for individual patients to make themselves felt. In some cases, patients for a long time do not suspect a pathology, feel normal, and hypertrophy is detected only after a routine examination. As a result of various examinations, the following signs of pathology can be noted:
- Auscultation reveals a characteristic systolic murmur at the apex.
- The radiograph shows an increase in the left ventricle.
- When the echogram is performed, the thickening of the ventricular walls is determined, as well as the decrease in the motor activity of the heart muscle.
To suspect development of hypertrophy of a myocardium of a left ventricle it is possible on such signs:
- periodically arising pains in the region of the heart of a different nature (stitching, pressing, compressing, etc.);
- weakness, fatigue;
- heart rhythm disturbances;
- dizziness;
- shortness of breath (in later stages - even at rest);
- sleep disorders;
- loss of consciousness;
- high blood pressure.
How to treat hypertrophy of the left ventricle?
The effectiveness of treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart directly depends on the completeness and reliability of diagnostic measures, the detection of concomitant diseases. As a rule, medication is prescribed, aimed at removing symptoms, normalizing blood pressure, restoring normal work
In more severe cases, surgery may be prescribed, which is based on the removal of the affected part of the myocardium, as well as correction of the interventricular septum of the heart.
It should be understood that a positive result of treatment is possible only if you give up harmful habits, observe normal physical activity and have a proper nutritional diet. So, the diet should include seafood, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat of low-fat varieties. Refuse should be from fatty foods, sweets, pickles, fried and smoked dishes.