How serious is myocardial bridge?

How serious is myocardial bridge?

Myocardial bridges have traditionally been considered a benign condition, but recent studies have demonstrated that the clinical complications can be dangerous; these complications include acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias (including supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia), exercise-induced …

What is myocardial bridging of the heart?

Myocardial bridging occurs when the heart is malformed, with a bridge of muscle fibers overlying a section of a coronary artery, usually the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. When the heart beats, the artery is squeezed and normal blood flow is disrupted during both the pumping and relaxed cycles.

How is myocardial bridge treated?

Treatment of symptomatic patients with myocardial bridging consists primarily of pharmacologic therapy although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), myotomy, or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) can be considered for selected patients refractory to maximal medical therapy.

Is myocardial bridging common?

Myocardial bridges are common and generally benign. Exercise and tachycardia can provoke symptoms and ischemia.

Is a myocardial bridge a birth defect?

For the most part, a myocardial bridge is harmless. Patients with a myocardial bridge have it from birth, and most never know they have the condition. However, some patients can develop myocardial ischemia (lack of oxygen) because of a myocardial bridge.

How many people have myocardial bridging?

The reported prevalence of myocardial bridging ranges from 1.5% to 26%, with higher numbers reported in autopsy findings versus invasive coronary angiography studies.

Can you exercise with myocardial ischemia?

It is generally accepted that exercise training intensity in patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) should correspond to a heart rate that remains 10 b.p.m. below the threshold for myocardial ischaemia (1 mm ST-segment depression).

Can you fix myocardial ischemia?

Treatment for myocardial ischemia involves improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment may include medications, a procedure to open blocked arteries (angioplasty) or bypass surgery. Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices is important in treating and preventing myocardial ischemia.