Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a rare
disease which is mainly of genetic origin.
This condition causes an overgrowth of the endocardium, the innermost
layer of the heart muscles. The excess amount of muscle causes a severe
compromise of the heart function of pumping blood. This condition can cause
life threatening arrhythmias, severe heart failure and sudden death. The risk
of sudden death can be alleviated using an implantable cardioverter
defibrillator (ICD). Medicines are given to reduce the force and rate of heart contractions.
Treatment is also given in the form of surgery to directly cut off the excess
muscle, and catheter based alcohol ablation. Both procedures can cause serious
complications, with high probability of recurrence.
Ayurvedic treatment can be judiciously used to
successfully treat this condition. It is important to start treatment at the
earliest, immediately after diagnosis, since this can give the best possible
results. Delay in starting treatment can lead to the possibility of serious
complications including sudden death. In addition, in the long run, the
enlarged muscle may be replaced with fibrous tissue, at which stage a reversal with
medications may not be possible.
Ayurvedic treatment can be given concurrently with modern
medications. Regular treatment is essential, with a follow up 2D echo test at
every three months, to ensure that the patient is responding well to treatment.
A definite reduction the interventricular septal thickness can be recorded with
about 6 months of treatment. It is advisable to continue treatment till a near
normal-thickness interventricular septum is visualized. Depending upon the
degree of response, treatment duration of about 12 to 18 months is recommended.
Most patients can lead a near normal life after
completing a full course of Ayurvedic treatment. Since this is a hereditary,
genetic disorder, a lifelong periodical follow up is mandatory in order to pick
up a possible recurrence of the condition. Depending upon the severity of
recurrence, small courses of treatment can be repeated as required.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an
Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of HOCM, kindly click here 
