Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Heart Guardian podcast. I am your host, Dr. Aman Kapoor, and today we have an exciting and insightful discussion lined up for you. We are going to deep dive into the powerhouse of our heart, the myocardium. This remarkable muscle keeps our heart pumping and our bodies thriving.

Imagine your heart as a bustling city with roads, signals, and power plants. Myocardium is the powerhouse, the engine room that keeps everything moving smoothly. Joining us today is the esteemed cardiologist Dr. Jagdish Hiremath, with extensive experience in understanding and treating heart conditions.

What is myocardium? The myocardium is the heart muscle situated in the secure bony rib cage, weighing about 400 grams, and the size of a human fist. It plays a crucial role in the heart's function, with the left ventricle containing almost 80% of the myocardium, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

Importance of myocardium The contraction of the myocardium is a highly complex affair, involving a rotatory and twisting movement that pushes blood into the aorta. Despite its small size, the heart receives about 9% of the entire blood flow, indicating the myocardium's significance. The coronary arteries supply the myocardium with glucose, oxygen, and other nutrients, keeping it healthy and enabling it to work relentlessly.

Myocardial infarction and heart attack The most common abnormality affecting the myocardium is permanent damage due to blocked coronary arteries, known as myocardial infarction or heart attack. This damage reduces the left ventricle's ejection fraction (LVEF), which can be measured through echocardiography. Depending on the extent of damage, it is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.

Cardiomyopathy and heart failure Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle caused by viral infections, chronic alcohol abuse, or chemotherapy. It leads to a reduction in ejection fraction, termed global hypokinesia. On the other hand, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy results in excessively thick myocardium due to genetic factors or prolonged high blood pressure. Both conditions can lead to heart failure if not managed properly.

Preventive cardiology and treatments Preventive measures include controlling blood pressure and ensuring a healthy lifestyle to avoid hypertrophy and other heart issues. Medical treatments have advanced significantly, offering solutions like CRTD and CRTP pacemakers, LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), and even heart transplants for severe cases.

Conclusion Taking good care of the myocardium is of paramount importance for overall heart health. With proper care and timely medical intervention, many heart conditions can be managed effectively.

My dear friends, remember, myocardium is your powerhouse. It is the muscle that keeps your body running, so take good care of it. Share this podcast with your friends and family, and follow our series for authentic information on heart health. This podcast series is powered by the Maharashtra Institute of Health Sciences and the Madhubak Institute of Preventive Cardiology.

Stay tuned for the next episode. This is your host, Dr. Aman Kapoor, signing off. Bye-bye!