A noncancerous, jelly-like tumour composed of soft mucous material and loose fibrous strands. Myxomas usually occur singly, and may sometimes grow very large. They may develop under the skin, in the abdomen, in the bones, or, very rarely, inside the cavities of the heart. In this case, thrombi (blood clots) may form, and the flow of blood through the heart may be obstructed. Myxomas can usually be successfully removed by surgery.nadolol A beta-blocker drug used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain due to impaired blood supply to heart muscle), certain types of arrhythmia (irregularity of the heartbeat), and to control symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland). Possible adverse effects are typical of other beta-blocker drugs.
A benign TUMOUR comprising gelatinous CONNECTIVE TISSUE, most commonly occurring beneath the SKIN – although the condition may develop in the ABDOMEN, URINARY BLADDER, BONE and, rarely, the HEART. Treatment involves surgery, which is usually successful.
n. a benign gelatinous tumour of connective tissue. Atrial myxoma is a tumour of the heart, usually of the left side, arising from the septum dividing the two upper chambers. Symptoms may include fever, lassitude, joint pains, and sudden loss of consciousness due to obstruction of the bloodflow. The tumour may be wrongly diagnosed as stenosis of the mitral valve as it can produce a similar murmur. Treatment requires surgical removal. —myxomatous adj.
A wide range of disorders can disrupt the heart’s action.
In general, genetic factors do not play a large part in causing heart disorders, however they do contribute to the hyperlipidaemias that predispose a person to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Structural abnormalities in the heart are among the most common birth defects (see heart disease, congenital).
Infections after birth may result in endocarditis or myocarditis. Tumours arising from the heart tissues are rare. They include noncancerous myxomas and cancerous sarcomas.
The heart muscle may become thin and flabby from lack of protein and calories. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, common in alcoholics, causes beriberi with congestive heart failure. Alcohol poisoning over many years may cause a type of cardiomyopathy. Obesity is an important factor in heart disease, probably through its effect on other risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol.
The coronary arteries may become narrowed due to atherosclerosis, depriving areas of heart muscle of oxygen. The result may be angina pectoris or, eventually, a myocardial infarction.
Some drugs, such as the anticancer drug doxorubicin, tricyclic antidepressants, and even drugs used to treat heart disease, may disturb the heartbeat or damage the heart muscle.
Many common and serious heart disorders may be a complication of an underlying condition, such as cardiomyopathy or a congenital defect. Such disorders include cardiac arrhythmia, some cases of heart block, and heart failure. Cor pulmonale is a failure of the right side of the heart as a consequence of lung disease.... heart, disorders of
n. a mucoid tumour of the peritoneum, often seen in association with *myxomas of the ovary. In pseudomyxoma peritonei there are recurrent deposits of mucin-producing cells in the abdomen, which can be difficult to clear by surgery and may prove fatal.... pseudomyxoma
Health Encyclopedia