About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Sphincter Function
Introduction
The cardiac sphincter, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health. It is a muscular ring located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, controlling the passage of food and preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Function of the Cardiac Sphincter
1. Prevention of Acid Reflux
- The LES remains tonically contracted to prevent stomach contents from regurgitating into the esophagus.
- During swallowing, it relaxes to allow food and liquids to pass into the stomach.
2. Protection from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- If the LES becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately, acid from the stomach can enter the esophagus, leading to heartburn, esophagitis, and GERD.
3. Role in Digestion
- Ensures one-way movement of ingested material.
- Maintains an effective barrier between acidic and non-acidic environments, protecting the esophageal mucosa.
Common Disorders of the Cardiac Sphincter
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Symptoms: Heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, chronic cough.
- Causes: Obesity, hiatal hernia, smoking, poor diet, certain medications.
2. Achalasia
- A condition where the LES fails to relax properly, causing difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation, and weight loss.
3. Hiatal Hernia
- A condition where part of the stomach moves up through the diaphragm, weakening LES function and leading to acid reflux.
Treatment and Management
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid large meals and eating close to bedtime.
- Reduce intake of acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Medications
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production.
- H2 blockers to lower acid levels.
- Prokinetics to improve LES tone and motility.
3. Surgical Options
- Fundoplication: A procedure where the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen it.
- Endoscopic procedures: Such as Stretta therapy, which uses radiofrequency energy to improve LES function.
Conclusion
The cardiac sphincter is essential for preventing acid reflux and ensuring proper digestion. Weakness or dysfunction of this sphincter can result in GERD or other digestive disorders, which can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical interventions.
Source recommendations
1. American Gastroenterological Association Guidelines
- https://gastro.org/clinical-guidance/
- https://gi.org/guidelines/
- https://gastro.org/practice-resources/practice-tools/
- https://www.gastrojournal.org/content/agai
- https://gastro.org/
2. American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines
- https://gi.org/guidelines/
- https://gastro.org/clinical-guidance/
- https://gi.org/journals-publications/acgbooks_guide2guidelines/
- https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2024/03000/american_college_of_gastroenterology_guidelines_.14.aspx
- https://gi.org/guideline/
3. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guidelines
- https://www.esge.com/publications/guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35523224/
- https://www.esge.com/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567467/
- https://www.giejournal.org/article/S0016-5107(23)03148-6/abstract
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.