Endocardium is an inner shell covered with endothelium and representing connective tissue cells. This element is designed to cover the heart muscle from the inside, it is from it that the valves (semilunar, cusp) are formed. Valve leaflets - the place of attachment of the tendon filaments. The semilunar valves are located near the aortic, pulmonary trunk openings. The valves prevent misdirection of blood flow.
What is a heart?
We all know that this organ is vital to humans. Usually people imagine it as a kind of pump, rhythmically pumping blood. It is the heart that is the main component of the circulation of blood and lymph in our body. The heart is both a layered structure with three membranes and a parenchymal complex, since the parenchyma and stroma are present.
Cardiac functions:
- pump (abbreviations allow you to control the level of pressure);
- endocrine (production of natriuretic factor);
- informative (coding data about the state of the body through pressure, blood flow velocity).
Based on the information transmitted from the heart to individual tissues of the body, metabolic activity is adjusted.
Endocardium
This is a system formed by four layers:
- endothelium;
- subendothelium;
- elastic muscles;
- outer connective tissue.
And more details?
The first layer of the endocardium is the endothelium, located directly on the basement membrane. It is formed by flat cells located in one layer, lining the surface of the organ. The subendothelium is a rather loose structure made up of connective tissue cells, but not shaped like the outer part. In fact, the two described layers together perform all the functionality that is assigned to the shells that cover the blood vessels from the inside.
The elastic muscle layer, as its name suggests, is formed by myocytes. Elastic fibers also took part in the creation of this element of the endocardium of the heart. If we draw parallels with the structure of the vascular system, the muscular elastic membrane is comparable to the middle vascular one. Finally, a connecting layer is located on the outside. Its structure is quite loose, the fabric is not fully formed. Compared with the vascular system, the outer part performs the same functions as the outer shell of the blood vessels. Connective tissue provides communication between the endocardium and myocardium. It grows into the stroma.
About valves
Endocardium is an element of the cardiac system that forms valves, that is, such dense fibrous plates that are made of connecting cells. Valves are characterized by relatively lowconcentration of cells adjacent to the endothelium.
The atrial part is usually smooth, the opposite part is covered with outgrowths, which allow fixing the tendons and providing the heart with stable rhythmic work. The endocardium of the heart contains blood vessels in the layer of connective tissue on the outside, and the nutrition of the cells is provided through diffusion processes of absorption of components from blood volumes located directly in the heart. Additionally, oxygen and necessary trace elements are supplied from the vascular network that forms the outer layer.
Anatomical features
The structure of the heart is rather complicated: epicardium, myocardium, endocardium are present in different thicknesses in different elements of the organ. So, regarding the tissue in question, doctors say that its thickness is inversely proportional to the muscle power of a particular area. For example, in the left atrium, the layer will be quite thick, but in the ventricle, on the contrary. However, regardless of the location, the three-layer structure of the endocardium is necessarily preserved.
The endothelium, covering the endocardium, allows this element of the cardiac system to cope with significant loads due to the adjustment of the strength of the influence of blood flow. In addition, metabolic products that actively pass through the subendothelium and blood plasma also have a strong effect on the endothelium itself. The endocardium consists of endotheliocytes, whose morphology is directly determined by the conditions of tissue functioning in a particular area.
Endotheliocytes
In the ventricle on the left they are rather flat polygonal cells. A distinctive feature is the evenness of the contours. But on the right side, the cells themselves are noticeably larger, in some places their sizes fall significantly out of the general norm, and the shape can vary significantly. Telling what are the features of the structure and function of the endocardium, doctors always pay attention to the cells that make up this tissue in the area of false tendons. These are such multifaceted structures that are located either in the transverse direction, or without orientation at all.
The gaps that separate endothelial cells from each other, for valves, fiber filaments are characterized by thin, complexly configured, which significantly stand out in comparison, for example, with trabecular tissue. At the same time, the structure and functions of the endocardium make it necessary to take into account the fact that the fiber elements and valves do not have a clear orientation in space.
What else to look out for?
Considering the structure of the endocardium, you need to devote time to that part, which, due to its anatomical structure, is in constant contact with the blood. These elements are covered with glycocalyx, an organic material that prevents the formation of blood clots. If you look closely at the relief of this area, you will notice that it is similar to a monolayer of endothelium.
The atria are characterized by a flat surface of the examined tissue. The endocardium in the part of the endothelium is a subendothelial layer of small thickness. The main component of this tissue is collagen, having a mesh shape, dense, and when examined under a microscope, it shows a fine fibrillar structure. This whole complex of cells, as can be concluded withstudy of the structure of the myocardium, is in the intercellular substance, diluted with cambium.
Specific fabric features
The formation in question covers the myocardium - all its surfaces. In a he althy body, there will simply be no exceptions. Through this, the main significance of the endocardium is realized, designed to protect the myocardium and ensure the normal functioning of the heart muscle as a whole. All crossbars, muscles, papillae, tissue elements near the holes are covered by the endocardium.
It is equally important to remember that the endocardium covering the myocardium creates a certain resemblance of the heart to the arteries of the human body. The main similarities have already been indicated above. This allows the cardiovascular system to be unified, uniform, effectively working as a complex set of interconnected organs.
Everything is thought out
Blood cells are rather delicate structures that can be disturbed by the slightest negative external influence. To prevent this from happening, nature provides for a glycoprotein coating of the cells from which the endocardium is formed (the epicardium, which covers the muscle tissue from the outside, also has special protection, but of a different nature). If you carefully examine the cells of the endocardium, you will notice that they seem to be polished. Thanks to this feature, blood cells do not violate their structure, passing through the heart and blood vessels - and even the slightest roughness would threaten them. If the endotheliocytes become defective, a chain reaction will begin: the blood will begin to clot.
Onefrom the features of the endocardium (a layer is formed by special cells - endotheliocytes) - the ability to form folds in the holes inside the heart. For example, at the base of the trunk of the pulmonary artery, the aorta, you can see three folds, similar in shape to pockets. A slightly larger trinity is located near the atrioventricular opening on the right, there are only two pockets on the left. A key feature of the folds is mobility, due to which the gaps close and open. A well-coordinated system is somewhat similar to steam valves, only the blood plays the role of steam in our body.
Endocarditis
This term is used to denote inflammation of the endocardium - a serious disease. Most often it is provoked by local infection. The endocardium suffers, in most cases the valves are the first to be affected. The work of these elements ensures normal blood flow, similar to the phases of cardiac activity, but inflammation interferes with the functioning of the organ. If the disease is not treated, it was not completely cured, or a relapse occurs, there is a high probability of getting a valve defect, that is, a permanent defect.
In most cases, secondary inflammation develops in the heart, which is provoked by similar processes in other organs and tissues. This may be a relapse or the result of a chronic pathology. Quite often, infectious agents penetrate from the tonsils, ovaries. There are cases when the cause was in recurrent infections of a general nature. Such a complication, in particular, canbring flu.
How to suspect?
Inflammation disrupts the functions of the endocardium, so patients come to the hospital with complaints of increased fatigue, shortness of breath, accompanying minimal physical exertion. Often, fever is chronically maintained, even a fever for a long time is possible. During the inflammatory process, the heartbeat quickens, but the pulse is weakly felt, while its speed increases sharply with minimal physical activity. Also, with inflammation of the endocardium, pale skin, soreness and a feeling of tightness near the heart are noted.
To restore the functions of the endocardium, it is necessary to undergo a therapeutic course. It is not easy to defeat the inflammatory process, usually the program drags on for a long time and is rather difficult for patients to tolerate. It is known that endocarditis significantly reduces the quality of life. To determine the optimal therapeutic program, it is important to first carefully assess the condition of the person. For this, a detailed examination by a cardiologist is carried out. It is this doctor who will be responsible for further treatment of the patient until complete recovery.
Classic treatment program
As a rule, the traditional approach requires the following factors to be combined:
- minimum stress on the heart;
- elimination of the infectious focus;
- antibacterial, antiviral program;
- antirheumatic therapy;
- cardiotonic course, which allows you to keep the system of blood supply to organs and tissues normal.
As an auxiliary technique, you can resort to folk methods, diets, climate therapy, healing mud, water, plants.
Herbs for endocarditis
Various medicinal herbs will bring good help in the fight against inflammatory processes. Most often, they resort to fees, which include chamomile, licorice, arnica, mullein, calendula, St. John's wort, goldenrod and verbena. Before starting such treatment, you need to consult with your doctor and pay attention to the possibility of allergies. All of these plants have a rather strong positive effect on the body, but they can provoke negative reactions - there are many known cases of allergies. In addition, you should not expect such a medicine to be “tasty”, many are unhappy even with its smell. Doctors emphasize: it is necessary not only to resort to herbs to support the state of the body and eliminate inflammation, but to use them only in combination with the main medication course.
The following herbs are considered good for the heart, allowing you to additionally bring down the heat: willow bark, elder flowers, linden inflorescences, meadowsweet, blackcurrant, raspberry. For an analgesic effect, you can take infusions and decoctions containing motherwort, valerian, lemon balm, hops, cinchona bark.
Weather, mud and water
To effectively complete the therapeutic program and a successful rehabilitation course, it is worth practicing mud and climate treatment. But at the stage of acute inflammation, these methodscontraindicated. Methods should not be combined with a pharmacological course. During the main treatment in the open air, it is best to lie down to minimize the load. But at the stage of rehabilitation, small walks have a good tonic effect.
Hydrotherapy, which allows you to restore he alth in case of heart disease, usually comes down to warm irrigation, hygienic baths. You can resort to such procedures only with the permission of the attending doctor, since in the acute phase this can significantly aggravate the patient's condition.
Proper nutrition is the key to he alth
When detecting endocarditis, it is recommended to eat often and in small portions. Only light meals that do not create a load on the body are allowed. It is advisable to drink juices, eat honey. Pollen can be eaten. Doctors are allowed natural coffee, but only in small quantities if the patient suffers from low blood pressure.
You will have to completely give up any bad habits. Inflammatory processes are aggravated by both smoking and alcoholic beverages, so they are strictly prohibited for the period of treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
How to avoid complications?
Endocarditis is dangerous not only in itself, but also with an increased likelihood of developing various complications. The key rule of prevention is careful adherence to the recommendations of the doctor. If the processes make it possible to suspect that heart defects are beginning to develop, it is important to minimize the experience and reduce physical activity. The stronger the voltage, the higher the probability of irreversible processes and the more significant the speed of their passage.
For prevention, a rather important aspect is the optimization of the diet. The regimens should be such that the load on the heart is minimized, at the same time it is necessary to liken products that are effective as measures to prevent atherosclerosis, which is especially dangerous in endocarditis: narrowing of the coronary arterial blood vessels leads to oxygen deficiency in the myocardium.
Effective diets
Generally accepted medical nutrition programs 10, 10a will benefit the most. The first involves minimizing the amount of s alt entering the body. You will also have to give up fat, spicy, alcoholic beverages, which increase the load on the heart muscle directly or indirectly.
In general, you should eat foods from the following list:
- bread made from bran flour;
- pasta;
- vegetables, fruits;
- soups without fat;
- fish, boiled lean meat;
- confectionery (but no dark chocolate);
- dairy products.
If you treat your nutrition program responsibly and visit your doctor regularly, you can not be afraid of relapses. If you already have heart defects, adhering to such a program can minimize the discomfort caused by a violation of he alth, as well as reduce heart failure.
Complications of endocarditis
The consequences of this disease can haunt even patients who have an underlying inflammatorythe process was defeated fairly quickly. Some complications only slightly limit everyday life, others are dangerous for a person and can provoke a fatal outcome.
The most common consequences of an inflammatory disease are:
- failure of functioning of the heart muscle in a chronic form;
- prolonged tissue infection;
- thromboembolism.
Heart failure
This complication is common to a wide range of heart conditions and affects many people. The condition is pathological, characterized by the impossibility of pumping masses of blood in the amount necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Endocarditis often leads to problems with contractions of the muscle tissue of the heart, which reduces the volume of the chambers of the organ. Even more common is a pathological condition provoked by disturbances in the operation of the valves - narrowing of this area, perforation of the valves. All this leads to improper blood flow.
