sydänlihasvaurion

Sydänlihasvaurio, commonly known in English as myocardial damage or cardiac injury, refers to harm sustained by the heart muscle, the myocardium. This damage can result from a variety of causes, with the most frequent being a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle, a condition known as ischemia. Myocardial ischemia is often a consequence of coronary artery disease, where plaque buildup narrows or blocks the arteries supplying blood to the heart, potentially leading to a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

Other factors can also lead to sydänlihasvaurio. Severe infections, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), certain toxins, prolonged and intense physical exertion in susceptible individuals, and some medical treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy can all contribute to damaging the heart muscle. Trauma to the chest can also cause physical injury to the myocardium.

The consequences of sydänlihasvaurio depend on the extent and location of the damage. Minor damage might have no noticeable symptoms or lead to temporary discomfort. More significant damage can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and in severe cases, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. Diagnosis typically involves electrocardiograms (ECG), blood tests to detect cardiac enzymes released from damaged muscle, and imaging techniques like echocardiography. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms to support heart function.