Heart Qi Deficiency
Description
Heart Qi deficiency is a lack of vital energy of the Heart, leading to insufficient blood circulation and weakening of mental functions. This syndrome is characterized by palpitations, fatigue, pale complexion, and mild depressive symptoms.
Clinical features
- Palpitations worsened by exertion
- Shortness of breath with mild activity
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Pale or dull complexion
- Dizziness, poor memory
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling asleep, restless dreaming)
- Cold hands and feet
- Soft, weak, or irregular pulse
π Etiology
- Chronic illness or long-term overexertion
- Inadequate nutrition or blood loss
- Excessive worrying, rumination, or emotional stress
- Congenital weakness of the Spleen (mother of the Heart)
- Recovery period after severe illness
- Old age with natural Qi decline
π¬ Pathology mechanism
Heart Qi is responsible for driving Blood circulation and housing the Shen (Spirit). In Qi deficiency, the Heart is not adequately nourished, leading to: weakened pumping function β blood stasis in vessels β insufficient cerebral blood flow β mental fatigue and memory problems β disturbed Shen β insomnia and anxiety.
βοΈ Differential diagnosis
| Syndrome | Difference from HT_QI_DEF |
|----------|-------------------------|
| HT_BLOOD_DEF | More sleep disorders, pale lips/nails, less fatigue |
| HT_YANG_DEF | More severe cold, edema, slow pulse, cold limbs |
| SP_QI_DEF | More digestive issues, loose stools, weak extremities |
| HT_QI_STAG | Chest pain, stabbing nature, purplish tongue |
π Prognosis & complications
Prognosis
Good with early recognition and adequate treatment. Recovery within 4-8 weeks with good compliance.
Complications if untreated:
- Heart Blood Stasis (leading to angina pectoris)
- Heart Yang deficiency (with edema and severe cold)
- Chronic insomnia
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders
- Heart failure in advanced stages
π₯ Scientific research
| ICD-11 | Condition |
|--------|-----------|
| 8B81.0 | Chronic heart failure (NYHA class I-II) |
| 8B72.0 | Sinus bradycardia |
| 8A81.0 | Orthostatic hypotension |
| 6A70.0 | Mild depressive episode |
| 7A40.0 | Chronic fatigue syndrome |
| 8B73 | Cardiac arrhythmias (functional) |
Western understanding:
Heart Qi deficiency correlates with reduced cardiac output, chronic heart failure NYHA I-II, functional cardiac arrhythmias, and autonomic dysfunction. Often seen during recovery from myocarditis, post-viral syndrome, or in elderly patients with age-related decline.
Research evidence:
RCTs show that Gui Pi Tang and Sheng Mai San improve left ventricular ejection fraction in mild heart failure patients (p<0.05). Acupuncture at HT7 and PC6 significantly reduces palpitations compared to placebo (SR 2023). Moxa at CV14 improves HRV parameters.
π©Ί Treatment strategy
Acupuncture
HT7, PC6, ST36, BL15, CV14, CV6, CV4, DU20
Herbs: Zhi Gan Cao Tang, Sheng Mai San, Gui Pi Tang (if Spleen involved)
Moxa: Strongly recommended at CV14, CV6, BL15, ST36
Cupping: Gentle flash cupping on back (BL15, BL20) - not too long
Tuina: Gentle tonifying massage on chest and back
π₯ Diet & lifestyle
Diet (warm, easily digestible foods):
- Red dates (hong zao), longan fruit, goji berries
- Oats, rice, millet
- Chicken, turkey, lean lamb
- Sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot
- Cinnamon, ginger (moderate), cardamom
Avoid:
- Cold/raw foods, ice, cold drinks
- Fatty and fried foods
- Caffeine (coffee, energy drinks)
Lifestyle:
- Moderate exercise (walking, Qi Gong, Tai Chi)
- Regular rest, avoid overexertion
- Stress management and meditation
- Early bedtime (before 11 PM)
- Keep chest and back warm
π‘οΈ Prevention
- Adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night)
- Regular, gentle exercise (no exhaustion)
- Avoid emotional exhaustion and excessive rumination
- Eat warm, cooked food - avoid raw/cold
- Strengthen Spleen Qi (good digestion = source of Qi)
- Seasonal prevention: keep extra warm in winter
- Regular acupuncture maintenance sessions (once monthly)
β οΈ Cautions
Caution: Not all herbs are EU-registered. Do not use strong cupping or excessive moxa during acute infection or fever. Caution with beta-blockers (possible herb interactions).
π References
Chen et al. (2022). J Tradit Chin Med. Li et al. (2023). Acupunct Med. WHO (2024). TCM Practice Guidelines.
π Tongue & pulse
Tongue
Pale, slightly swollen possibly with teeth marks, thin white coating
Pulse: Weak, thready (Xian Xi), or irregular (Jie Dai), deep and fine