Aortic regurgitation
(AR), also known as aortic insufficiency (AI), is a medical condition in which
the aortic valve is incompetent and thereby allows a backflow of blood from the
aorta into the left ventricle. This may
be due to damage to the valves or enlargement of the originating part of the
aorta (the aortic root). This can result
from infections, drugs, or diseases like hypertension and chronic autoimmune
disorders. Conventional management
involves the use of medicines to control blood pressure and reduce peripheral
resistance, thereby reducing the load on the heart. Long-term AR normally results in enlargement
of the left ventricular, symptoms like breathlessness, and in the long run,
congestive cardiac failure (CCF).
Surgical treatment involves replacement of the defective valve.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment
for AR is aimed at treating the known cause of the condition. Herbal medicines are used in order to reduce
any possible chronic infection, improve the functioning of the heart, treat
damaged heart muscle as well as damaged and enlarged aortic root, and
strengthen the tendons attached to the valves.
A combination of such treatments is helpful in bringing about a gradual
improvement in the functioning of the valves, thereby reducing symptoms. This helps to gradually reduce the load on
the overburdened left ventricle and thereby reduces or prevents left
ventricular hypertrophy and the long-term risk for congestive heart failure.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment
needs to be given for periods ranging from 6 to 12 months in order to bring
about significant improvement in patients suffering from AR. Herbal treatment is completely safe for
long-term use and can be used along with conventional modern therapy. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can significantly
improve the quality of life of patients suffering from AR and can also improve
overall survival, as well as reduce the requirement for surgery.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
