Mitral bridge

  : What is a mitral bridge and what is the treatment for this?  The only symptoms has been intermittant chest pain.
  That was a myocardial bridge and was found with a heart catheterization. What treatment do you recommend.  

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Michael, thank you for your question.  A myocardial bridge is when the coronary artery dives into the left ventricle muscle during its course.  Normally, the coronary arteries are in an epicardial position on the surface of the left ventricular muscle.  Thus, the heart muscle can beat and receive nutrients from the arteries, but arterial flow is not constricted by the contraction of the heart muscle.  With a bridge, the coronary artery may be "pinched" while the heart muscle is contracting to disrupt coronary blood flow.  The treatment is large doses of beta blockers which slow down the heart rate and decrease the intensity of the left ventricular contractions.  In turn, these maneuvers help to normalize blood flow through a myocardial bridge.  Unfortunately, angioplasty, stents, and bypass surgery don't work well for myocardial bridges.  I suggest that you speak to your physician about treatment options.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
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