Myocardial scarring

Myocardial Scarring

Myocardial scarring (pronunciation: my-o-car-dial scar-ring) is a medical term referring to the formation of fibrous tissue in the myocardium (the muscular tissue of the heart) following a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other heart injuries.

Etymology

The term "myocardial scarring" is derived from the Greek words "myo" meaning muscle, "kardia" meaning heart, and the English word "scarring" which refers to the formation of fibrous tissue following injury or disease.

Definition

Myocardial scarring is the process where healthy heart muscle tissue is replaced with fibrous tissue. This process is a response to injury or damage to the heart muscle, such as that caused by a myocardial infarction. The scar tissue that forms is less flexible and less efficient in pumping blood, which can lead to heart failure.

Causes

Myocardial scarring is most commonly caused by a myocardial infarction, where a blockage in the coronary arteries leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle, causing cell death and subsequent scarring. Other causes can include cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and cardiac surgery.

Symptoms

Symptoms of myocardial scarring can vary depending on the extent and location of the scarring. They can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, and in severe cases, heart failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of myocardial scarring is typically made through imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, MRI, or CT scan. These tests can show the size, location, and extent of the scar tissue.

Treatment

Treatment for myocardial scarring focuses on managing the symptoms and preventing further damage to the heart. This can include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery or procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Related Terms

• Myocardium
• Myocardial Infarction
• Cardiomyopathy
• Myocarditis
• Cardiac Surgery
• Echocardiogram
• MRI
• CT Scan
• Angioplasty
• Bypass Surgery

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Myocardial scarring
• Wikipedia's article - Myocardial scarring

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