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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 Myxomas: Understanding a Rare but Serious Condition
Introduction
Cardiac myxomas are rare, noncancerous (benign) tumors of the heart. Although they are not malignant, they can cause serious health problems by obstructing blood flow or creating embolisms that can lead to strokes or heart failure.
Causes and Risk Factors
Myxomas are typically found in the left atrium of the heart and are more common in women than in men. Most cases are sporadic, but some are linked to genetic conditions like Carney complex.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size and location: - General symptoms: Fatigue, fever, weight loss. - Cardiac symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations. - Neurological symptoms: Stroke-like symptoms if embolism occurs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves: 1. Echocardiography – Primary imaging tool to detect myxomas. 2. MRI or CT scan – Provides detailed images for surgical planning. 3. Histological Analysis – Confirms tumor type after removal.
Treatment
Surgical removal is the only effective treatment. If untreated, myxomas can lead to fatal complications such as embolisms or obstructed blood flow.
Prognosis
With complete surgical removal, prognosis is excellent. However, periodic follow-up is needed to monitor recurrence, especially in genetic cases.
Conclusion
Although rare, cardiac myxomas can lead to severe complications. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention ensure a good outcome.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Tumors
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Cardio-oncology-guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.jaccao.2020.05.009
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Education-Subspecialty/Courses/EACVI/EACVI%20preparatory%20course%20to%20cerfication%20in%20CMR/Cardiac%20masses%20and%20tumors_C.%20Bucciarelli-Ducci_on_behalf_of_L.Natale%20.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017568/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9982278/
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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:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.