Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease which involves increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can in the long run cause right sided heart failure and death. Weakness, breathlessness, and occasional giddiness and falls are vague symptoms; signs and symptoms of right sided heart failure usually present in advanced cases or in those without treatment. 2-d echo tests, along with a clinical history, a possible family history, and other supporting tests can help in a diagnosis.

Congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, left ventricular failure, connective tissue disease, infections, drug toxicity, chronic lung disease, high altitude disease, tumors; and disorders related to metabolic disease, blood clotting diseases, and systemic diseases,  are all possible causes for PAH. When no specific cause can be located for the condition, it is termed as idiopathic PAH.

Treatment of PAH is with drugs which bring about smooth muscle relaxation of arteries thereby causing vasodilatation and reduction in pressure of pulmonary arteries. Calcium channel blockers and derivatives of prostacycline form the mainstay of this treatment. With the use of these medications, the overall prognosis of patients with PAH has improved considerably, along with increased survival rates. Patients who do not tolerate these drugs or do not respond satisfactorily to these medications can be started on Ayurvedic treatment.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines reduce inflammation, reduce blockage, bring about vessel dilatation, and reduce resistance. Herbal medicines which act on blood, blood vessels, lung tissue, as well as the gastrointestinal system are used in combinations to bring about maximum benefit to patients. It is also important to treat the known causes of PAH. Multi pronged herbal therapy which acts on several tissues has a much better clinical effect and the patient gets sustained benefit even after cessation of therapy.

Most patients with mild to moderate severity of PAH get significant relief with about 8-12 months of treatment and maintain themselves well even without drugs for several years. Adequate life style modifications are required so that the chances for recurrence are completely avoided or minimized. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilized in the comprehensive management of PAH.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic physician at  https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of PAH, kindly click here

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – Successful Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Pulmonary hypertension, also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a rare medical condition in which the pressure in the blood vessel of the lungs increases much beyond normal. Due to various reasons, the blood vessel contract and become hard, making it difficult for blood to flow through. This causes increased strain on the right side of the heart, resulting in right sided heart failure and symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, swelling of the ankles, and blue lips.

PAH is of different types: idiopathic; familial; secondary to other diseases; and associated with left heart disease, lung disease, and thrombo-embolic disease. Conservative treatment includes the use of medications which relax blood vessels and prevent narrowing, prevent blood clots, remove excess fluid, and help the heart pump blood more efficiently. Lifestyle changes like regular light exercises help improve symptoms. Some patients may require oxygen therapy. Blood clots may require surgical removal. Patients who do not respond satisfactorily to medications may require lung or heart-lung transplantation.

Ayurvedic treatment can help achieve good control of symptoms, reduce the hardening and blockage of blood vessels, and treat known causes for this condition. Patients with mild to moderate severity of symptoms achieve control with about 4 to 6 months of treatment. Patients with severe PAH may require more aggressive and prolonged treatment. Most patients who achieve a remission of symptoms do well for prolonged periods without any medication; however, regular monitoring is desirable. Such individuals should also take care to avoid extreme or harsh climatic conditions, and strenuous lifestyles.

Ayurvedic treatment is especially useful for those patients who do not respond satisfactorily to modern medications and are also not good candidates for surgery. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can prove to be a life saver for such patients with PAH.

In the late stages, blocked and constricted, hardened blood vessels can get fibrosed, leading to a further aggravation of the situation. Since medicines may not be so effective at this stage, it is advisable to commence treatment at the earliest to get the maximum possible results.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com