Myocardium Definition
Myocardium is the medical term for the heart muscle – derived from the Greek words myos, muscle, and kardias, heart. The myocardium is the middle layer of the heart wall.
The specific tissues and cells of the myocardium can contract, conduct electricity, and even generate electricity.
Myocardium Functions
The primary functions of the myocardium are to pump blood out of the heart – contraction – and to fill up with blood – relaxation.
Myocardium and Heart Attacks
Myocardium diseases are conditions describing diseases that affect the myocardium specifically. Any condition impeding the myocardium from contracting can prove fatal.
The gravity and duration of the different myocardium diseases and their effects vary.
The heart is a resilient organ, naturally compensating when one part of it malfunctions. Nevertheless, when the myocardium is strained beyond its limits, it fails, which in turn, affects the entire body – a state commonly known as congestive heart failure.
A myocardial infarction – also known as a heart attack – results from the heart’s inability to pump blood and oxygen to the myocardium. When this occurs, a part of the myocardium scars and dies.
Myocardium Complication Causes
Many factors contribute to heart or myocardium disease and /or failure.
- Infectious – viruses, bacteria
- Toxic – drugs, anesthetics, heavy metals
- Physical Agents – radiation, electric shock
These specific systemic diseases subsequently disrupt the normal functions of the myocardium.
- AIDS
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Myocardium Complication Symptoms
The pain associated with a heart attack is called angina. Due to the gravity of its effects, when medical practitioners assess chest pain or heart pain, an imminent or occurring heart attack is always assumed.
Myocardium Failure Symptoms
- Pain
- Chest Pain
- Arm Pain
- Upper Back Pain
- Jaw Pain
- Toothache
- Headache
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Excessive Sweating
Myocardium Disorders
Some heart or myocardium diseases are inherited genetically, and in that sense, inevitable for individuals.
However, other myocardium disorders and heart attacks, are completely preventable if individuals are not exposed to particular physiological triggers.
Aprotinin and gadolinium are two chemical triggers that cause myocardium complications. Aprotinin is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals as Trasylol. Apart from heart attacks, Trasylol induces strokes and kidney failure. Gadolinium, manufactured by several pharmaceutical giants, causes nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a disease that scars the myocardium.
If you or someone close to you has been given aprotinin or gadolinium, consult a physician right now. Exposure to either drug has proven fatal to many people. Many individuals have likewise consulted the attorneys of Babbitt-Johnson for their legal expertise concerning both Trasylol and gadolinium medical malpractice cases.
See also, Myocardium, Pericardium
It is imperative to consult a physician as soon as possible. Babbitt-Johnson attorneys, specializing in aprotinin and Trasylol cases, offer free legal consultations and advice on the best legal recourses.
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