What is myocardial bridging?
Myocardial bridging means that a part of a coronary (heart) artery passes through the heart muscle. The coronary arteries are blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Normally, they lie on the surface of the heart.
Myocardial bridging does not cause problems for most people. But for some people, it can reduce blood flow. When the heart muscle contracts, it can squeeze the artery. This can stop blood from getting to the heart muscle. Reduced blood flow can cause symptoms or other problems. In some cases, it can lead to a heart attack.
What are the symptoms?
Most people who have myocardial bridging have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, it's because the heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygen.
Chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom. But some people have other symptoms, like:
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Light-headedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
Symptoms can be brought on by many things including exercise, emotional stress, and smoking. You may be able to predict when your symptoms will happen and take steps to relieve them. A change in your typical pattern may mean that you're having a heart attack.
How is it diagnosed?
Myocardial bridging is usually found during tests for other reasons. These may be tests that check how well your heart is working and measure blood flow to your heart muscle. Examples of these tests include a coronary angiogram, an echocardiogram, and a CT angiogram.
How is it treated?
To help keep your heart as healthy as possible, follow a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes eating healthy foods, being active, staying at a weight that is healthy for you, and not smoking or vaping. Also, manage other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Most people do not need treatment. But if you have symptoms, you may take medicines. The medicines can help relieve symptoms. But they don't fix the artery.
Some people have a procedure or surgery to improve blood flow in the artery.
