A leading cause of death in the United States, heart attack, affects practically all genders and ethnic groups, as people consuming fast food and processed food is on the rise. According to statistical data, roughly 1 in 5 people suffers a myocardial bridge. This is an exceptional inborn abnormality of the coronary vessels. When a segment or part of the coronary artery travels into the heart muscle rather than on the surface of the heart muscle (myocardium), this causes myocardial bridging.

In simple medical terms, the part of the heart muscle that lies on the top part of your coronary artery is what healthcare experts call a myocardial bridge. In rare cases, a segment of the heart muscle, generally the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, can travel on its own into the heart muscle outside the coronary heart. This can lead to the arteries getting compressed during the heart’s contraction, and this will lower the flow of blood to the heart muscles, especially during a highly demanding time like exercising or performing heavy work.

Normally myocardial bridging is not known to cause any harm, but when the heart is devoid of the oxygen it needs, then one can experience chest pain (angina) and blood loss (ischemia). Treatment options for such people can vary depending on the severity of signs and symptoms, which include medicines and surgery in case of emergency or severe case of myocardial bridge.

Causes of Myocardial Bridge

A congenital condition leads to myocardial bridging. This means one develops this condition at birth, primarily. Some factors which lead to this condition are given below as:

Family history.
Coronary artery and the heart muscle showing any abnormal development while in the fetus.
Inflammatory diseases like vasculitis cause the inflammation of blood vessels and damage them ultimately.
An abnormal increase in pressure, injury, or trauma to the coronary artery.

Common Symptoms

Angina: Chest pain, especially due to body tiredness that can be noticed in the arm, neck, or jaw.
Dyspnea: Shortness of breath, especially during high cardiac demand like doing exercises. Variations in temperature, high altitudes, and obesity all can lead to shortness of breath in a healthy individual.
Palpitation: Heartbeat is irregular.
Fatigue: One may feel unusually tired or weak even while doing any small task.
Sweating: Unnecessary sweating, especially when having chest pain or feeling uncomfortable.

Myocardial Bridge Diagnosis

A healthcare expert may suggest any of the following tests for the diagnosis:

Imaging Tests

Cardiac MRI
Echocardiogram
Computed Tomography (CT) scan
Coronary angiography
Intravascular ultrasound

Clinical evaluation:

Medical history
Physical examination
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Myocardial Bridge Treatments

The options for treating the unhealthy patients can vary from medicines to surgical operations. Some of which are given below:

Medications:

Calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers are administered to regulate the blood pressure or high cholesterol level in unhealthy patients that decreases the symptoms of chest pain. These drugs function by restricting the use of calcium absorbed by the body.

Nitroglycerin:

Alleviate the chest pain; the blood vessels are relaxed, and this lowers the work that the heart needs to perform.

Depending on the symptoms and the critical condition, the healthcare provider may choose surgery as below:

Myocardial bridge surgery:

An incision in the heart muscle is done by the surgeon for the removal of an infected or damaged portion of the muscle. This will render the coronary artery free and the blood flow to the heart takes place smoothly.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting:

This surgery is performed for deeper myocardial bridges and is commonly known as heart bypass surgery in the medical field.

Stent placement:

A stent is inserted inside the blocked coronary artery to keep it open.

Follow-up Care:

As the surgery is completed, a regular follow-up consisting of appointments with the doctor and necessary tests to assess any abnormality, changes in medicines or lifestyle changes should be carried out.

Myocardial Bridge and Healthy Living

A heart-healthy diet with regular exercises and an intake of a variety of foods rich in whole grains, vitamins, and fiber can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the symptoms of heart disease.
Risk factors such as use of tobacco increase the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Plaque is associated with myocardial bridge in many ways, so avoiding intake of tobacco products is beneficial to patients for a healthy heart.