Global Hypokinesis

[Mb]

Hello all!

Read my husbands echo again. The above phrase appeared on the report. Tried to find what it means, but alas! No luck so far. Does anyone have any links!

Thanks in advance.

Marybeth

 

[Perrster]

Found a link

Found a link

Copied from the Cleveland Clinic Heart Forum

Global hypokinesis just means poor function throughout the heart. Heart failure, or congestive heart failure (CHF) is a syndrome of low heart output, shortness of breath and swelling in the extremities. The most common cause of heart failure is ischemic (secondary to blockages in the arteries). Other common causes are hypertensive (high blood pressure), viral, valvular and idiopathic. The diagnosis of CHF is made by symptoms and testing of the heart. An echocardiogram or heart catheterization is usually done to measure the function of the pumping chamber. Other investigations may be performed depending upon the cause of the CHF.

Treatment of heart failure can be medical or surgical. If failure is due to blockages or valve problems then surgery is often recommended. Medical management includes digoxin, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and diuretics. Newer evidence has shown that low dose beta-blockers improve symptoms and survival in patients with CHF. End stage CHF is treated with heart transplantation if the patient is a candidate.

Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments.

 

[Marty]

Global Hypokinesis

The literal translation is "underactivity everywhere". You should contact the physician who read the study ( you are paying him ) and ask how he made the diagnosis and what is its short and long term significance. Sometimes these physicians refer you back to your own doctor who ordered the test for an explanation of their cryptic terminology. In this case follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.

 

[Mb]

Hey, guys! Thanks! - I guess. That didn't sound all that good, but I do know he has CHF.

We have actually seen two cardio's since that echo was done two weeks ago. My husband is being evaluated for a pacemaker, and another echo to be done in about 8 more weeks. They found a third severely leaking valve (tricuspid), so that probably explains it.

At least I now know what that means.

Marybeth

 

[sylviayasgur]

wow marybeth!
i guess those are the results, right? when did wayne's tricuspid valve start leaking? did he have both the av and the mv replaced?
if there are degrees of chf, what stage do they think wayne is in? and what are the ramifications? what is the time frame for the pacemaker (any deadlines?) and how will that affect what happens with the tricuspid and the chf?
sorry to ask so many questions, i'm sure you've thought of it all already...
i'll be in touch but would love you to keep us posted.
i'll be away and doubt that they have computers there (no tv's!!), but if i get to one, i'll check up on you.
wishing you all the best, sylvia

 

[Zazzy]

Hi Marybeth.... My cardio told me the same thing a year ago February. HA!!! I've showed him... my EF is now 57% and I'm feeling great! Even got those pesky palps under control!!! I will see him again in May and ask him if we can now upgrade..... hey I'm having breast reconstruction this summer... may as well go for the whole deal!!!

Take care
Zazzy

 

[hensylee]

We just can't keep our little girl corralled. Go for it, Zazzy. So proud for you. Admire you so much, from day one. You have so much on your shoulders, yet we can depend on you to have a sparkle for us. God bless and keep you

 

[Mb]

Hey Silvia:

You have as many questions as I do!

Wayne had dual valves replaced this past October. His current problems are:

atrial fibrillation
congestive heart failure
severely leaking tricuspid valve
elec. conduction problems,. not controlled by the meds. (His heart rate goes as low as 40, and as high as 200, with 2.41 second pauses when it is low- he is on a beta blocker etc.
Left ventricular dysfunction (40% EF....not horrible, but not good)
acid reflux (which I think is caused by the CHF)

He will be evaluated for a pacemaker by an electrophysiologist on May 1st, although he says he is not ready to "go on battery" yet. He is 55. (three dr's have told him he needs one). The pacemaker does NOT get him our of a-fib, just controls the rate of the ventricals. Not a cure, but should make him feel better.
The next step is to have a moderate change in meds (blood work test results due in), and then another echo in about8 weeks. The second cardio wants his own echo, as the report did not detail how the new valves were functioning. So thats where we are at, more or less. He cannot work............as he has exertional limitation. If he walks too fast, his heart rate goes way too high.(Up to 190-200 BPM). Although prior to surgery I think he was Class4 , I think now he is between 2 and 3.

So, as his Boston cardio says, his issues are multifactorial. But, we will work on them, one at a time, and get him into the best health we can! We have many years left to spend together, I am sure.

Good luck, Silvia, with Joey's new problem!

Zazzy.....you remain my heroine!

Marybeth

So thats the long and the short of it.