Interstitial cardiosclerosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
Interstitial cardiosclerosis (abbreviated ICS) is a serious heart disease that is characterized by the replacement of normal myocardium (heart muscle) with connective tissue. Interstitial cardiosclerosis causes the walls of the heart to thicken and deteriorate its function, which can lead to heart failure and other cardiac complications.
The causes of interstitial cardiosclerosis can be varied. One of the main causes is coronary heart disease, caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. Other factors that contribute to the development of ICS may include chronic inflammatory processes in the heart, autoimmune diseases, infections, metabolic disorders and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of interstitial cardiosclerosis may vary depending on the extent of the heart damage. In the early stages of the disease, patients may not experience obvious symptoms. However, with the development of cardiosclerosis, the following manifestations are possible:
- Shortness of breath and fatigue during physical activity.
- Pain in the heart or pressing pain in the chest.
- Swelling of the legs and swelling of the abdomen.
- Palpitations or irregular pulse.
- Dizziness and increased weakness.
To diagnose interstitial cardiosclerosis, your doctor may do a number of tests, including electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart. These methods allow you to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, as well as identify signs of sclerosis.
Treatment of interstitial cardiosclerosis is aimed at managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications. Your doctor may recommend the following treatment approaches:
- Use of medications such as anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, and drugs to improve heart function.
- Lifestyle changes, including moderate exercise, quitting smoking, and following a diet limited in salt and fat.
- Regular monitoring by a cardiologist and compliance with recommendations for taking medications.
In some cases, surgery may be required, such as a heart transplant or coronary artery bypass grafting.
It is important to note that interstitial cardiosclerosis is a chronic disease that requires long-term care and management. Regular cooperation with a cardiologist and compliance with all prescribed recommendations will help monitor the heart condition and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Prevention of interstitial cardiosclerosis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and stopping smoking. If you have risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension, it is important to keep them under control and receive appropriate treatment.
In conclusion, interstitial cardiosclerosis is a serious heart disease that requires close medical supervision and management. Early detection and treatment will help slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient's prognosis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following doctor's recommendations play an important role in preventing the development of interstitial cardiosclerosis and its complications.