When a doctor says the word “hypokinesis cardiac” after an echocardiogram or heart scan, it is a common thing to feel a little worried upon hearing this unfamiliar term. In simple words, hypokinesis cardiac means that some part of the heart muscle has become weak in fully contracting and pumping blood.
Understanding this condition can help you understand the meaning of your test results and know what steps are generally taken next.
What Is Hypokinesis Cardiac?
In cardiac hypokinesis, one part of the heart wall, or more than one part, moves less than it should move, due to which the heart’s overall pumping efficiency becomes reduced. This is different from akinesis, where some part does not move at all, and it is also different from a completely healthy heart, where all parts contract in a normal manner and in sync.
Cardiac hypokinesis can affect some small, localized part of the heart (segmental hypokinesis) or several areas at once (global hypokinesis), which depends on the underlying cause.
Common Causes
Several conditions can become the cause of hypokinesis cardiac, among which are included:
- Coronary artery disease: Blood flow to the heart muscle becoming reduced, because the arteries become blocked or narrow.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Heart tissue damaged from a past heart attack often does not contract with as much strength after that.
- Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle itself, which makes its pumping strength weak.
- Chronic high blood pressure: Long-term pressure on the heart can slowly weaken specific parts.
Symptoms to Watch For
In some cases, cardiac hypokinesis does not produce any particular symptom and is found by chance during routine testing. These are the symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Discomfort or tightness in the chest
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
How Is It Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of cardiac hypokinesis generally happens through an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to see how well each part of the heart is moving. To identify the cause and estimate the extent of the reduced movement, additional tests like EKG, cardiac MRI, or stress test can also be used.
Treatment Approaches
The treatment of hypokinesis cardiac completely depends on its underlying cause. Common approaches include:
- Medications, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics, so that the pressure on the heart is reduced and its efficiency becomes better.
- Changes in lifestyle, which include a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting cigarettes.
- Procedures or surgery, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, if blocked arteries are the real cause.
- Continuous monitoring, because in mild cases only regular check-ups may be needed, not aggressive treatment.
Final Thoughts
The diagnosis of hypokinesis cardiac is not itself a disease but is a sign that some part of the heart is not contracting as well as it should. The outlook and treatment plan can be quite different according to the cause, which is why it is necessary to get a proper evaluation from a cardiologist. If you or someone you know has gone through this diagnosis, talking to a healthcare provider about the specific type, severity, and next steps is the best way to move forward.