BY Dr.Prashanth Acharya
MavCure
Our
heart is composed of four chambers, the left atrium and ventricle and
the right atrium and ventricle. A septum separates the chambers
vertically and the bicuspid and tricuspid valves on the left and right
sides respectively separate them transversely.
The
heart chambers are filled with blood regularly and pump it into the
arteries. This happens due to the muscular motions of the heart, that
is, expansion and contraction. This movement allows the pumping of
blood.
Hypokinesis
is the term that refers to the condition of a slow movement and
function of the heart due to weakness in it. We talk of global
hypokinesis when this weakness involves all the muscles of the heart,
and not only a part of it.
In this article, global hypokinesis will be explained along with its symptoms, causes, and treatment, and precautions.
Global Hypokinesis
The term hypokinesis comes from the Greek and its literal meaning is “
diminished movement”.
Global
hypokinesis is a condition characterized by a general weakness of the
heart, as well as obstructions or blockages in the coronary blood
vessels.
The left ventricle of the heart is in charge of supplying
blood to all the parts of the body through the Aorta. This process
defines the efficiency of the heart and is measured by the ejection
fraction.
It normally ranges from 50 to 70%, and when it becomes less than 37%, it is considered abnormal.
The heart starts failing in performing its required functions and this may affect the other parts of the body too.
The
common causes of this failure are cardiomyopathies, ischemic heart
disease, heart attacks, etc. This, in turn, might be caused due to
inherited conditions.
Hypokinesis may sometimes be regional. For example, global left ventricular (LV) hypokinesis is a common type.
It
occurs due to an inefficient functioning of the left ventricle and the
thickening of the ventricular and the interventricular septum walls. In
this case, the other parts of the heart function normally.
On the
other hand, in global hypokinesis, every part of the heart functions
abnormally and loses strength. This includes both the ventricles, the
arteries, cardiac walls, membranes, etc.
Global hypokinesis results in a lower than required cardiac output. This produces cardiac problems and failure.
The
heart becomes unable to pump the necessary blood efficiently and its
supply toadv various organs and tissues of the body is reduced. This
leads to a decreased flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the system.
Consequently,
the heart may stretch, thicken, or stiffen its chambers to hold an
extra amount of blood and compensate the reduced flow to the different
organs. A chronic heart failure can become a congestive heart failure.
Symptoms Of Global Hypokinesis
Global
hypokinesis implies a generalized weakness of the heart and all its
parts. This condition is associated with the following symptoms:
a. Alteration In The Heartbeat:
The
normal rhythm of the heartbeat is disturbed and it starts to become
irregular. The heart beats faster in an attempt to supply the sufficient
quantity of blood to the body organs. The patients can feel their own
heart beating strongly all the time in a condition known as the
palpitation.
b. Fluid Retention:
The
insufficient blood supply to the organs of the body, including the
kidneys, leads to the retention of water and other fluids.
In
addition, the reduced output of blood from the heart means a reduced
return to it. It causes detainment of blood in the limbs and abdomen.
All this triggers the gain of body weight, bloating, edema, frequent nocturne urination, nausea, and loss of appetite.
c. Pulmonary Congestion:
As
fluid retention occurs in the body, they start to accumulate in the
lungs cavities too. This leads to problems in respiration during rest,
shortness of breath during exercise, wheezing, dry cough and a
consequent disturbance in the sleep pattern.
d. General Weakness & Disorientation:
The
decline in the supply of blood to the vital organs and body tissues
causes their rapid weakness and tiredness. This affects the brain and
causes confusion, disorientation, and dizziness. The person feels
exhausted, suffering from a permanent lethargy.
Causes Of Global Hypokinesis:
Global
hypokinesis implies a general weakening of the heart. This can arise
due to various underlying cardiac abnormalities that cause dysfunction
and damage of the heart muscles.
These conditions include:
1. Heart Attack:
The
sudden obstruction of the coronary artery may cause a cardiac arrest or
heart attack. This phenomenon suddenly stops the blood flow within the
heart and leads to its damage.
The parts of the heart that do not
get a sufficient amount of blood rich in oxygen develop scarring and may
become dysfunctional, leading to hypokinesis.
2. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
Damage
is present in the arteries responsible for the distribution of
oxygen-rich blood to the heart. The supply oxygen and vital nutrients
decrease due to the clogging of the arteries. This leads to weakening
and failure of the heart.
3. Overload Of The Cardiac System:
The
occurrence of different medical conditions like hypertension, valve
abnormalities, thyroid disorders, congenital heart defects, kidney
disorders, or diabetes increases the risk of contracting hypokinesis by
adding the pressure experienced by the heart.
Simultaneous conditions taking place at the same time severely boost the risk of cardiac diseases and heart failure.
4. Cardiomyopathy:
This
is the condition of heart deterioration triggered by external factors
such as infections, drug addiction, or excessive consumption of alcohol.
5. Other Causes:
Various
factors cause predisposition to heart hypokinesis. These include
genetic predisposition, familial history of cardiovascular diseases,
smoking, etc.
Treatment For Global Hypokinesis:
The
process involved in treating a weakened heart should focus on various
aspects like specialized medications, proper monitoring, lifestyle
changes, and possible advanced medical procedures.
The treatment of global hypokinesis is done in a number of stages as follows:
Stage 1:
It
is undergone by patients of global hypokinesis and people that are
vulnerable or at a high risk of developing a cardiac disease.
This
includes patients of diabetes, hypertension, metabolism disorders,
coronary artery disease and people with a history of drug abuse, alcohol
addiction, rheumatic fever, or a family background of cardiomyopathy.
The
treatment consists in quitting habits like smoking and consumption of
drugs and alcohol, as well as regular exercising, treatment of lipid
abnormalities and hypertension. The prescribed medications include ACE
inhibitors, ARB and beta blockers.
Stage 2:
Patients
of cardiomyopathy, valve disease, heart attacks and systolic left
ventricular dysfunction that have not had symptoms of heart failure in
the past are treated.
The treatment includes the prescription
aldosterone inhibitors in addition to the medicaments used in the first
stage. Surgical repair or replacement of the heart component that is
damaged may also be carried out.
Stage 3:
Patients
of systolic heart failure with symptoms of fatigue, low stamina,
shortness of breath are treated with the medicaments of the first two
stages and with digoxin, diuretics, and a nitrate/hydralazine
combination for chronic symptoms.
This
stage also includes a cardiac resynchronization therapy that consists
of a biventricular pacemaker, weight monitoring, a restriction in the
intake of salt and fluids, and the strict discontinuation of drugs that
aggravate cardiac abnormalities.
Stage 4:
This
stage is for the patients that suffer from a systolic heart failure
with severe symptoms even after an efficient medical care.
The
treatment of this stage involves the methods used in all the previous
stages. It also includes ventricular assistance devices, continuous
intravenous administration of inotropic drugs, heart transplant,
research therapies, surgical interventions, and intensive medical care.
Ayurvedic Supplements For Global Hypokinesis:
 |
Ayurvedic remedies
|
Nature
provides us with many therapeutic herbs suitable for different health
conditions. Several herbs help in strengthening the heart and keeping
the cardiac system healthy.
They enhance the recovery from the
disease and can make the treatment easier and shorter, especially when
taken its initial stages.
Ayurvedic supplements are known to prolong life expectancy and prevent disorders from worsening or recurring.
Make sure that these herbs are used under a proper guidance and as regularly as recommended.
Herbal supplements that are beneficial in mending global hypokinesis include:
1. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna)
Capsules
made from the pure, dry, and powdered extracts of Arjuna are a strong
booster of health. They stimulate the cardiac system and strengthen the
cardiac muscles, veins, and arteries. They also prevent excessive lipid
accumulation, arteriosclerosis, and age-induced deterioration of the
heart.
2. Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
This herb is also called as
Mandukparni.
It is known for its rejuvenating properties. It enhances the overall
body strength and increases the resistance of the heart to failure.
Gotu
Kola improves the flow of blood and combats the weakness and tiredness
generally experienced by the patients of cardiac disorders. It prevents
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
3. Giloy (Tinosporacordifolia)
The capsules made from extracts of this herb improve the pumping process of the heart and the overall immunity.
It
soothes the symptoms of diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other
metabolic problems; hence preventing secondary infections caused due to
them. The herb has a revitalizing effect on the heart.
4. Punarnava (Boerhaviadiffusa)
This
herb as diuretic properties and helps in reducing the excessive
accumulation of water in the body organs caused due to global
hypokinesis.
It relieves breathing problems and regulates
heartbeat, especially when combined with other herbal supplements like
Arjuna and healthy habits and diet.
5. Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera)
It is a powerful stimulant for the heart. It improves general strength and reduces the symptoms of aging and fatigue.
Ashwagandha
aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system and cardiac system
by helping to maintain a normal blood pressure and preventing fluid
retention in various body organs.
6. Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis)
It
protects the heart from suffering excessive strain and maintains an
efficient blood pressure. It regulates the heartbeat and the pulse.
7. Total Heart Support Capsules
Capsules
made from the purified extracts of several herbs such as Arjuna,
Brahmi, Ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi help in strengthening both the
cardiac and the nervous system.
They mitigate the symptoms of
disorders like CAD, hypertension, congestive heart failure, high
cholesterol, and general weakness.
Home Remedies For Global Hypokinesis:
Heart
diseases like global hypokinesis and other cardiac disorders should be
treated medically under the supervision of a professional physician.
However, their recurrence can be prevented at home with the help of
natural remedies that we can commonly find in our kitchen.
A
healthy diet supplemented with the properties of these ingredients will
help in regulating the fats and cholesterol level, blood glucose
content, and blood pressure in the body. These include:
1. Garlic
 |
Garlic
|
This
has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It can keep
the body cholesterol within its limits and reduce the risk of
arteriosclerosis.
It helps in maintaining a regular flow of blood
and its healthy pumping by the heart. The intake of four to five cloves
of garlic a day can keep heart diseases like global hypokinesis at bay.
2. Ginger
 |
Ginger
|
The
healing properties of ginger make it a very popular home remedy for
various types of conditions. This spice contributes to the health of the
cardiac system by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing the
clotting of blood.
Hence, it avoids the clogging of the blood
vessels by cholesterol and allows an appropriate flow of blood through
them. The blood pressure is also reduced. Ginger can be consumed every
day to get its benefits.
3. Fenugreek Seeds
 |
Fenugreek
|
The
seeds of this plant have been commonly used for treating high blood
sugar levels in a natural way. However, they have beneficial properties
for the cardiac system too.
The seeds help in decreasing the
blockage in heart capillaries and the cholesterol level in the blood.
They can be consumed in powdered form or chewed directly after soaking
them in water overnight.
4. Red Chilies (Cayenne)
 |
Red chillies
|
Capsaicin
is the component found in chilies that is extremely beneficial for the
heart. It keeps the walls of the blood vessels elastic and strong, and
it promotes blood circulation. It also regulates the cholesterol level
and prevents clotting of the blood.
The consumption of chilies as a
food ingredient not only increases its taste but also helps the
individual in maintaining the health of their heart and blood pressure.
5. Bilberry
This
fruit helps in maintaining a proper flow of blood throughout the body.
It is beneficial in many other disorders also. Except for pregnant women
and allergic people, bilberry can be consumed by everyone every day.
6. Grape Juice
 |
Grape juice
|
These
fruits contain numerous beneficial components like polyphenols,
anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and resveratrol that prevent the excess of
cholesterol in the blood and protect the heart from strokes, weakness,
or failures.
Grapes can be consumed as it is or in the form of juice every day to maintain a healthy cardiac system.
7. Green Tea
 |
herbal tea
|
The
leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis are the main components of green
tea. This extract prevents numerous disorders like obesity, high
cholesterol, and heart problems. To improve cardiovascular health
consume this drink from one to two times a day.
8. Aloe Vera
 |
Aloe vera
|
This
plant is considered an all-rounder in terms of health maintenance. Some
of the disorders it prevents are diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, arthritis,
high cholesterol, heart strokes, heart attacks, pain in the chest, etc.
It
has numerous minerals necessary for the well-being of an individual
like vitamin B, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese, enzymes, sulfur,
nitrogen, etc. The plant extracts can be consumed in the form of juice
along with water daily.
Precautions To Be Taken In Global Hypokinesis:
There
are certain actions that should be done in order to maintain an overall
good health. Their necessity increases in case of the occurrence of a
cardiac disease, as the heart is the engine room of the body.
However, these precautions should not be taken as part of the treatment, but also for the sake of prevention. They include:
a.
Regular exercise to maintain a fit body and a healthy mind. This should
be performed in accordance to the capacity of each individual keeping
in mind their age and other factors. Therapy exercise should consider
the stage of the disease and the patient’s endurance, and it should be
monitored.
b. Avoiding the abusive consumption of alcohol and
strictly staying away from drugs and smoking These could lead to the
intoxication of the blood and an overall deterioration of the health.
c.
Modifications and improvement in the diet to regulate the intake of
lipids and fats. Processed and refined foods should be avoided and
nutritive ones like vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, eggs, should be
added.
d. Monitoring of body weight in the case of its excess and
taking the appropriate measures to control it. This will help in keeping
a healthy condition of the cardiac system.
e. Giving special
attention and care to potential causative factors of cardiac disorders
like thyroid, hypertension, or diabetes. This includes taking the proper
medication for them as prescribed and following the advice of your
doctor.
Global hypokinesis is a condition of the heart that is can
take place due to different causes. Predicting its occurrence might be
difficult, but preventing it is rather easy. All that is required is the
maintenance of an overall good health by following the right physical
and dietary habits.
