Final answer:
The normal response of non-infarcted myocardium in a patient with an acute myocardial infarction is Hypokinesis, reflecting reduced movement due to overall strain on the heart muscle. Heart rate can be significantly impacted by the lack of normal electrical activity, resulting in arrhythmias or heart block.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal response of non-infarcted myocardium in a patient with acute myocardial infarction is Hypokinesis. When part of the myocardium is infarcted, the areas that are not affected may respond with reduced movement due to the overall strain on the heart muscle. This can be contrasted with Akinesis, which is the absence of movement in the infarcted tissue, and Dyskinesis, which is an abnormal movement seen in injured but not necrotic myocardium. Hyperkinesis, or increased movement, is unlikely as the heart is under stress and is less efficient during an acute myocardial infarction (MI).
In the context of an MI, the electrical activity of the heart is often compromised, as confirmed by an ECG showing alterations in the ST and Q components. With the total lack of normal electrical activity, one would expect the heart rate, or pulse, to be significantly affected. This could lead to severe arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, or complete heart block, where there is an absence of coordination between the atria and ventricles.