Color Doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by a Doctor of Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

1. What is cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases of the heart muscle associated with mechanical and electrical dysfunction or a combination of both. Cardiomyopathy can be primary or secondary. Common types of cardiomyopathy include:
Dilated cardiomyopathy: This is the most common form of cardiomyopathy, which occurs when the left ventricle, the main chamber of the heart that is responsible for pumping blood to the body, is dilated. enlarged, making the heart unable to pump blood efficiently. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the result of a number of diseases such as prolonged hypertension, coronary heart disease, chemotherapy, drug or alcohol addiction,... Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the Abnormal thickening of the heart muscle wall, the disease is often related to familial factors, due to the presence of mutated genes. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, when taken by X-ray method, will see an enlarged heart. Restrictive cardiomyopathy: This is a condition in which the ventricular chambers do not dilate to fill with blood reducing diastolic function.
The cause of cardiomyopathy is currently unknown. However, the following risk factors may be the cause of the disease:
Genetic factors People with long-term untreated high blood pressure or damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack People with heart disease, diseases that damage or affect the heart muscle, metabolic disorders, pregnancy complications, deficiency of certain vitamins or essential minerals, use of chemotherapy drugs or radiation to treat cancer treatment Alcoholism, drug use In the early days, cardiomyopathy is difficult to identify because the signs or symptoms are not specific. As cardiomyopathy progresses, the patient will appear some of the following symptoms:
The patient feels short of breath when doing heavy work or stress Frequent coughing when lying down to rest, feeling chest pain Always feeling feeling tired, dizzy, fainting Legs, ankles and feet often swell. Usually, people with cardiomyopathy will be assigned to check the heart with electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, echocardiogram to diagnose cardiomyopathy.

2. Color Doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy

When using the Doppler ultrasound method of myocardial tissue to diagnose cardiomyopathy, it will help the doctor assess the condition as well as the direction of treatment. Doppler echocardiography will have the following specific roles:
Detect frequency variation of ultrasound signals emitted by a moving object, and at the same time evaluate blood flow velocity. Doppler echocardiography quantifies the lower-velocity and higher-amplitude signals emitted by myocardial movement. Pulsed tissue Doppler ultrasound is intended to measure the maximum velocity of the myocardium and the longitudinal velocity of the ventricular muscle. Vertical myocardial velocity measurement: To measure this speed, a Doppler window is placed at the ventricular muscle. A cardiac cycle is represented by 3 waves (Sa, Ea and Aa). With color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, the myocardial regions are color-coded according to the travel velocity and shown on the screen along with the 2D ultrasound image or the venous ultrasound image to know the direction as well. as the velocity of the heart muscle. In addition, cardiac Doppler echocardiography has the ability to increase spatial resolution and evaluate multiple myocardial structures and regions in the same view.

3. Methods of treating cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a cardiovascular disease, so the treatment is complicated and difficult, so it needs to be detected and recognized early to limit the progression of the disease and prolong the patient's life. Treatment of cardiomyopathy can use methods such as:
Lifestyle changes: A healthy lifestyle is what should be applied during the treatment of cardiomyopathy. Patients should have a healthy diet, increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce salt and fat. Always keep an optimistic spirit, exercise regularly, do not drink alcohol or tobacco.

Use medication to relieve symptoms and prevent complications of cardiomyopathy. Commonly used medications include: Antiarrhythmics, blood pressure medications, drugs that prevent blood clots, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, and some adjuvants. Surgery: The main surgical methods are myomectomy – Septal Myectomy, implantation of a heart support device and heart transplant. This is the last resort after the above methods do not work. Cardiomyopathy is difficult to detect by common symptoms, so we should get in the habit of periodically checking the health of our hearts at reputable medical facilities. Currently, in order to meet the needs of medical examination and treatment, Vinmec International General Hospital is applying the Cardiovascular Screening Package with the following advantages: Highly professional, dedicated and wholeheartedly for the benefit of the patient. With 90% holding university degrees, 20% are professors and associate professors, nearly 30% are doctorates, bringing high efficiency in medical examination and treatment. Comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services. A system of modern equipment, supporting effective diagnosis and treatment. Modern, civilized, luxurious and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

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