Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Treatment in Ayurveda

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cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Treatment in Ayurveda

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)as the name suggests, it is a condition in which the heart gets enlarged and the cardiac muscle fibers do not function properly. The left ventricle of the heart becomes stretched or baggy and thin. So the heart fails to pump the blood effectively as a healthy heart can.

Men are more frequently affected by DCM than females. Also in children, this is the most common cardiomyopathy. Onset in middle age is most often.

Cause:  In most of the cases no cause is apparent. It is due to the result of damaged myocardium. The myocardium is damaged mainly by metabolic endotoxins or infectious agents. A previous attack of myocardial infarction may lead to DCM.

Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Treatment in Ayurveda
  • Alcoholism (alcoholic cardiomyopathy)
  • Thyroid disease
  • Late sequelae of viral myocarditis (mediated through an immunologic mechanism)
  • Pregnancy (peripartum cardiomyopathy – in most of the cases it is reversible)
  • Autoimmune mechanisms
  • Severe coronary heart disease and heart valve abnormalities
  • Toxins from certain chemotherapeutic agents
  • Inflammatory diseases like connective tissue diseases
  • Tuberculosis
  • Diabetes
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy
  • Genetic associations

Signs & Symptoms:  The symptoms of DCM can vary from person to person. These develop insidiously. It can be even asymptomatic too and may not be initially significant enough to affect the quality of life of the patient. Some of the main symptoms include:

Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Treatment in Ayurveda
  • Tired feeling & fainting (syncope)
  • Dizziness & lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in legs
  • Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms)
  • Chest pain (angina, but only if ischemic heart disease is present)

A DCM patient may be characterized with an enlarged heart, an elevated jugular venous pressure, a low pulse pressure and pulmonary edema. Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation signs may also be present.

Chances for the formation of the thrombus (blood clot) are comparatively high in DCM patients as the blood flow velocity is slowed down. This may again bring up the chances of embolism. It may end up in pulmonary embolism (lungs), stroke (cerebral emboli), renal emboli or peripheral emboli (limbs).

Diagnostic Methods for DCM

  • Symptoms & family history
  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray – generalized heart enlargement can be seen. Pleural effusion (due to pulmonary venous hypertension) can also be noticed.
  • Electrocardiogram – sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, left atrial enlargement etc. can be seen
  • Echocardiogram – shows left ventricular dilatation and reduced ejection fraction
  • Genetic testing
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • In rare cases, biopsy, if needed

EFFECTIVE HERBAL REMEDIES FOR DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM)

ARJUNA TEA
ARJUNA TEA
  1. Total heart support
  2. Arjuna capsules
  3. Arjuna tea
  4. Gotu kola capsules

Ayurveda mentions a lot on Hrdroga. Queries on DCM are dealt under hrdroga. Treatment modalities and medicines are aimed to reduce the inflammation and increase the health of myocardium.

1. TOTAL HEART SUPPORT

This is an effective cardiac tonic formulated by Planet Ayurveda. Standardized herb extracts included in this formulation are:

  • Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
  • Ashwagandha (withaniasomnifera)
  • Brahmi (bacopamonnieri)
  • Shankapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

All these herbs are excellent for heart health as they help to increase the strength of myocardium (the muscle layer). Arjuna is one of the best cardiac tonics. It is used to improve heart functions since ancient times (around 3000 years ago). Arjuna is very beneficial in treating cardiovascular diseases including heart diseases, chest pain, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Ashwagandha is a potent Adaptogenic i.e. highly effective in managing stress. Ashwagandha is very popular for its capacity to lower the blood pressure and promoting heart health. It is also good enough to reduce the inflammation.

Brahmi can be regarded as a heart tonic and also helps in rejuvenation. It also helps to relieve stress, detoxify the body and boost the immune system. Its antioxidant property is very beneficial in treating cardiovascular diseases.

Shankupushpi has properties like psychostimulant and tranquilizing effects. The psychostimulant is made to reduce hypertension and tranquilizing effect in syncope. Also, shankupushpi helps to reduce the levels of non- esterified fatty acid (NEFA), which is the main cause of the heart diseases.

Dosage – 2 Capsules twice daily after meals with lukewarm water

2. ARJUNA CAPSULES

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of Terminalia arjuna. This is the best cardiac tonic ever known to mankind.  It is rich in coenzyme Q10. This enzyme helps the heart to boost its weakened muscles thereby improving the heart functions. It helps to manage the symptoms of Dilated cardiomyopathy like angina, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat etc.

Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily after meals with lukewarm water

3. ARJUNA TEA

It is an amazing formulation by Planet Ayurveda. Regular intake of the tea promotes the overall health of the body. The herbs included are:

  • Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
  • Punarnava (boerhaviadifusa )
  • Pipal bark (ficusreligiosa)
  • Cinnamon (cinnamon Tamala)
  • Cardamom (Elettaria cardamom)

Tea can be prepared either using milk or water. It is better to avoid sugar. 1 tsp. Arjuna tea is used for 2 cups of water. This is reduced to half. Strain well.

4. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES

These capsules are prepared from the standardized herbal extract of Centella Asiatica. DCM can be considered good in both physical and mental illness. Gotu kola plays a very beneficial role in heart diseases. Also, these are effective in fatigue. As already mentioned, DCM patients are more prone to be affected by blood clots and embolism. Gotu kola helps in dissolving these blood clots thereby increasing the venous sufficiency. It is also very useful in lowering the blood pressure and helps to resolve  DCM symptoms including heart failure, angina, fatigue & syncope etc.

Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily after meals with lukewarm water

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