Aortic dissection is a serious condition in which the aorta, that is the main blood vessel supplying blood from the heart to the whole body, develops a tear in its wall, which may gradually go on eroding till it ruptures out into the body. The aortic wall complete rupture can be fatal. This condition requires immediate surgical treatment in order to save life. Aortic dissection is usually caused because of very high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, valvular heart defects, and certain genetic diseases.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be used in the management of aortic dissection if imminent rupture of the aortic wall is not considered likely, and the patient is unfit for surgery. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used with two aim in mind. The first is to give immediate symptomatic treatment to prevent further deterioration of the aortic wall and to prevent a catastrophe in the form of aortic rupture. The second is to treat the known causes for the condition, so that further deterioration of the medical condition can be halted. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are therefore given to control high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, as well as to minimize valvular defects of the heart.
In addition , Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given which strengthen the aortic wall and the different layers of the aorta. Herbal medicines improve the tissue of the aorta and soothe inflammation within the tear in the aortic wall. In addition, other herbal medicines are given which begin to repair the damage sustainedby the aortic wall and heal the tear in the wall of the artery. This process takes time, and typically, most people affected with aortic dissection may need to take Ayurvedic herbal medicines for about four to six months. Ayurvedic treatment minimizes the risk of life to patients affected with aortic dissection. However, in order to avoid the risk of mortality, the patient needs to remain under the regular care and supervision of a cardiac surgeon.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
