X-ray of the heart is a research technique with which it is possible to identify any deviations and diseases that are inaccessible to the human eye and other devices. This procedure is incredibly relevant to medicine. It is available to all segments of the population, and is completely painless and incredibly fast. X-rays travel through the human body at the speed of light. Bones are weakly transmitting radiation, so they will appear white in the picture, while the heart and other internal organs become darker.
How x-rays work
An x-ray machine is a device that can convert ordinary energy into x-rays. Its power comes from the electrical network. In modern x-ray machines there is a power supply and a transformer. They are essential for uninterrupted operation even when the power goes out completely.
In a separate room there is an X-ray control panel. It is specially located not near the device, so that doctors do not receive radiation doses. The main element for an x-ray of the heart is a special tube that generates radiation. It is located indense vessel. On one side is the cathode, and on the other is the anode. After the voltage is in the transformer, it enters the x-ray field. There is an impact of the cathode and anode, then they quickly slow down. This results in the generation of x-rays. All this happens instantly, at the speed of light. After that, an X-ray image of the heart is obtained, which is displayed on a special film or on a computer screen.
Currently, doctors do not issue a picture on their hands, but a detailed description of the x-ray of the heart is required. The result can be found out on the same day, after about half an hour.
Description of the X-ray of the heart
In order to start this procedure, you need to undress halfway. Then you need to stand in front of the device. After that, the doctor retires to a separate office, from where he will manage the process. A person should press against the photocell, and then take a deep breath and hold his breath. If this is not done, the result will be blurry or completely unusable. Also, you can not move and twitch. During the procedure, the person does not feel anything.
If the person who came to the X-ray cannot move independently, then in this case it is carried out in a horizontal position. At the same time, doctors or relatives will help him. Also, this method can be used after surgery.
Indications for x-rays
As you know, a heart x-ray cannot be done just like that, because it can have a negative effect on the chest and the body. For hisappointments must present certain symptoms. These include: pain in the heart or chest, uneven beating, high blood pressure (or vice versa), high temperature for no good reason.
What does a heart x-ray show? With its help, you can detect various diseases that are even in the initial stages, as well as serious problems. The focus of inflammation is clearly visible on the x-ray, which is a necessary factor before treatment or surgery. There are cases when, according to the tests, it is not clear what kind of disease a person has, because the symptoms of various diseases are similar.
How to prepare for an x-ray
Special preparation is not needed, but some nuances should be taken into account. If a person smokes, then you should not do this before the picture, because because of cigarettes, the x-ray can show the wrong result, and as a result, the problem will not be identified and the correct treatment will not be prescribed. This can lead to various complications and threat to life.
You should also remove all jewelry from yourself, as they can be harmful when irradiated. This also applies to piercings. It is worth removing all the equipment, headphones and other things away from you.
Radiation anatomy of the heart
The heart itself and all its vessels are clearly visible in the picture. For a more accurate result of an X-ray of the heart, two types of projection are made: direct and lateral. On a straight line, the heart is seen as a darkening of a homogeneous character, which has the shape of an oval. The upper part of the heart is displaced to the left side. Between the vessels and the heart are grooves called the waist. The heart is in limbo. Its waist and location depends on the height of the diaphragm. The shadow from below the heart is not defined, as it merges with the chest.
Vessels and chambers form arcs in the picture. According to the rules, there should be two arcs on the right side, and four on the left. The first arch starts from the aorta. The second arc is located near the right atrium. They are about the same in size. The third and fourth arcs are not always visible in the picture.
Radial examination of the functions of the heart
In an average person who can be considered he althy, the heart makes one beat per second, that is, 60 times per minute. At this moment, a wave of excitation passes through the organ, that is, at first it contracts and then relaxes. In the picture you can see whether the heart is enlarged on the x-ray or not, whether it beats correctly, whether the aorta and pulmonary artery are in order.
Radial diagnosis of heart pathologies
Pathological changes include changes in size, position and contractile function. You can also see if the heart is enlarged on x-ray or not.
The volume of the heart is calculated along certain lines. But this method is not accurate, since the doctor may make a mistake in the calculations. Sometimes it happens that the heart is shifted to the right side. This can occur after injury and illness,associated with the lungs. The contractile function is considered according to a variety of indicators. It can be rhythm, depth, frequency and speed. Radiation diagnostics can also identify various heart diseases.
Here are the main ones:
- Ischemic heart disease. With it, there is a violation of trophism and myocardial contractility, which appears from a decrease in blood flow. On the X-ray, you can see the deformation of the cavity of the left ventricle, thrombosis of the aneurysm.
- Defects of the mitral and aortic valves. In the first type, there is an increase in the left atrium, displacement of the bronchus and esophagus. Heart failure occurs. In the second type, a more complex definition is noted. With the initial defect of the aortic valve, it is almost impossible to detect it. After the left ventricle becomes much larger. The rounded top moves to the side to accentuate the waist. The aorta expands, and the right atrium moves to the side. This causes the pressure to rise. Later, pulmonary edema may develop.
- Defect of the tricuspid valve. This species is the most common. With it, there is an increase in the right atrium and swelling of the lower arc of the heart contour. Due to insufficiency of the tricuspid valve, changes in the right chambers occur. Because of this, circulatory stagnation occurs.
- Defects of the heart on x-rays can reveal a congenital character. Usually they are determined in childhood. With them, only x-rays are often not enough, but there are exceptions. You can see the defectsepta and opening of the ductus arteriosus. Usually with this pathology, the heart has the shape of a circle. Both atria and ventricle may be enlarged.
- Pericarditis. In the cavity of the heart, you can see the accumulated fluid. His shadow is getting bigger. The heart can take a trapezoidal shape. Due to the strong squeezing of the liquid, it decreases in size over time and becomes in the form of a drop.
Contraindications for x-rays
Even with such a routine procedure as X-ray, there are certain contraindications. In no case should it be done to pregnant women, as this can lead to pathologies or even miscarriage. If a person has chronic or mental ailments, you should also be careful. You should not do an x-ray if there are lung diseases that are infectious in nature, as serious complications can occur. Do not do it more than once a year, otherwise strong radiation may be received, which will negatively affect the body.
