Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a medical condition in which
blood flows abnormally in a reverse direction from the left ventricle of the
heart to the left atrium. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP), rheumatic heart disease, infective
endocarditis, annular calcification, cardiomyopathy, and ischemic heart disease
are the common causes for this condition. In the initial stages of this
condition, there may be no, or minimal symptoms; as the disease progresses,
affected individuals may experience breathlessness, lung congestion, and heart
failure. Clinical history, physical examination, chest X-ray, ECG, 2-d echo,
and cardiac catheterization may be required for an accurate diagnosis of this
condition.
Conservative therapy includes diuretics, medicines to
improve heart function, blood thinning drugs, and regular medication for prevention
of infection. Surgical options include repair or replacement of the damaged
valve; with repair being the preferred option for most patients. Ayurvedic
herbal treatment can be added in the long term management of MR patients to
improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and postpone the requirement for
surgical intervention, which has its own inherent risks.
It is important to use herbal medicines which improve heart
efficiency and function, and reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
However, the use of Ayurvedic medicines which act on the mitral valve,
especially on the tendon chords and muscle attached to it, is of greater
importance and relevance in treating MR, since the efficacy of these medicines
determines the overall success and utility of the treatment.
Treatment is usually given for a period of about 6-8 months.
Further treatment decisions will depend upon the response of the patient to the
treatment given thus far. Maintenance therapy, in the form of a few medicines,
may be required in patients with severe mitral regurgitation. Most patients
with moderate mitral regurgitation may be safely managed on a long term basis
with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
