Ayurvedic Tips to Choose Right Medicine For Heart Failure

Abstract

Heart failure is a complex condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, and fluid retention. While conventional treatments like medications and lifestyle changes are commonly used, many people seek alternative therapies, such as Ayurveda, to manage their heart conditions more holistically. Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. It emphasizes a balanced approach to health, considering the body’s constitution (Prakriti), imbalances in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and the impact of diet, lifestyle, and environment. Ayurveda seeks to restore balance and harmony within the body and mind, offering a natural approach to managing chronic diseases like heart failure. Ayurvedic treatments for heart failure focus on balancing these energies, strengthening the heart, improving circulation, and enhancing overall vitality. Here are some key Ayurvedic herbs, therapies, and approaches that are commonly used to support heart health, particularly in the context of heart failure.

Introduction

There are different approaches to keeping the heart healthy, like eating healthy food, doing exercise daily, doing yoga, and much more, but what should be done if a person has any cardiac diseases? In heart failure, choosing the right Ayurvedic medication can be both empowering and overwhelming, given the vast range of herbs, formulations, and therapies available. It’s essential to understand how Ayurveda addresses heart health, the underlying causes of heart failure, and how to identify the most appropriate treatments for an individual’s unique constitution. This article aims to guide you through the process of selecting the right Ayurvedic remedies, emphasizing the importance of a personalized approach, expert consultation, and a thorough understanding of heart failure in the context of Ayurvedic principles. By integrating Ayurveda with conventional care, individuals can optimize their heart health and improve their overall well-being.

Choice of herb in heart failure

1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Arjuna is known for its ability to strengthen the heart muscles and improve blood circulation. Arjuna will help in reducing the symptoms like angina (chest pain), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It supports heart function and helps in coronary artery disease (CAD). It has cardioprotective properties that help repair damaged heart attack tissues and support normal heart function. Its bark contains compounds that help in

• Reducing heart inflammation
• Improving heart muscle contraction (inotrophy)
• Reducing high blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects
• Reducing cholesterol level like (LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides)
• It helps in reducing atherosclerosis
• Helps in enhancing circulation

Active components of Arjuna are –

• Tannins – Tannins contain tannic acid and show promise in cardiac care due to its ability to stabilize heart attacks, reduce calcification, enhance endothelial function, etc.
• Flavonoids – In arjuna, there are flavonoids like arjunolone, arjunone, baicalein, luteolin, quercetin, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, kaempferol, and pelargonidin. These flavonoids are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects, which help in keeping the heart healthy, proper blood circulation, and reduces angina etc.
• Saponins – Arjuna tree contains triterpenoid saponins, including arjunic acid, arjungenin, and arjun glycosides (inotropic effects and protects against damage).
• Arjunolic acid – Protects the heart against damage caused by ischemia and other stressors.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen, helps in reducing stress and improving energy levels. It is widely known due to its rejuvenation properties. The active compounds found in Ashwagandha are

• Alkaloids – These are steroidal lactones that are believed to have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-stress effects. They are largely responsible for Ashwagandha’s medicinal properties.
• Alkaloids – Compounds that may have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help with anxiety and sleep disorders
• Saponins – These compounds help boost the immune system and have antioxidant effects.
• Fatty Acids and Amino Acids – These acids contribute to overall health and vitality, as well as help the body to respond to stress more effectively.

Role of Ashwagandha in different cardiac disease

• Reduce stress and anxiety – Chronic stress and anxiety are significant risk factors for heart disease. When the body is under stress, it produces high levels of the hormone cortisol, which can increase blood pressure, cause inflammation, and disrupt normal heart function.
• Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties help lower cortisol levels, promoting a balanced stress response. By managing stress and reducing the negative impact of cortisol on the body, Ashwagandha can help reduce the risk of stress-related heart conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), heart attack, and stroke.
• Supports blood flow – As hypertension is a major condition that can lead to heart attack, Ashwagandha helps lower blood pressure by balancing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
• Reduces Cholesterol and Inflammation – Ashwagandha contains antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are factors that contribute to atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of the arteries). By reducing inflammation and improving antioxidant levels, Ashwagandha helps in preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries, thus improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attack.
• Improves circulation and hormones – Ashwagandha improves heart health by improving blood flow and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. Ashwagandha is used to balance hormones like the secretions from adrenal gland health, thyroid function, etc.

3. Brahmi

Brahmi is known for its action on improving mental health and mental clarity and reducing stress. It also supports the nervous system and improves cognitive function, which reduces mental stress and anxiety and helps alleviate symptoms of heart failure. Active compounds of brahmi are

• Bacosides – These are the most important and widely studied active compounds in Brahmi. Bacosides A and B are believed to have neuroprotective effects, enhance memory, and support cognitive functions.
• Alkaloids – Brahmi contains alkaloids like brahmine and herpestine. These compounds are thought to contribute to the herb’s therapeutic effects on the nervous system and have potential anti-stress properties.
• Flavonoids – Brahmi contains flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These help in reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall brain health.
• Saponins – These compounds also play a role in enhancing cognitive functions and have adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress.
• Triterpenoids – These have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

All these compounds will help in reducing stress and anxiety, improve mental health, help in sleep, etc.Due to these properties, it also help the heart function as these days due to the bad mental health, increased mental stress, and anxiety, brahmi plays a crucial role in improving all these symptoms and improves blood circulation, and act as anti-inflammatory property also, which prospect cardiovascular system from damage.

4. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

Punarnava is primarily used as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb. It is particularly helpful in heart failure, where fluid retention is a concern. By promoting the removal of excess fluid, Punarnava helps reduce swelling, which is common in conditions like heart failure.

Mechanism – Punarnava works by promoting kidney function and reducing edema (fluid retention). It supports the heart by improving circulation and alleviating the strain on the heart caused by excess fluid.

5. Guggul

This herb is commonly used to reduce cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. It helps in preventing plaque formation in the arteries and supports overall function. It has different active components, but the primary active compounds in Guggul are called guggulsterones (Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone). These compounds have shown significant effects on lipid metabolism by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Guggulsterones also possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to heart health. Some benefits of guggul in heart health are

1. Cholesterol Regulation – One of the most notable effects of Guggul is its ability to lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease and heart failure, as it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), which hampers blood flow. Guggul contains compounds that help reduce total cholesterol and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) while increasing HDL (“good” cholesterol), thereby improving overall heart health. This cholesterol-balancing effect helps reduce the risk of complications in heart failure.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects – Chronic inflammation contributes to the worsening of heart failure. Guggul has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system. The reduction in inflammation may help ease the strain on the heart and improve its function.
3. Antioxidant Action – Guggul contains compounds with antioxidant properties that help fight oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is a condition where the balance between free radicals and antioxidants is disrupted, leading to cellular damage, especially in the cardiovascular system. By reducing oxidative damage, Guggul may help protect the heart and blood vessels from further harm.
4. Improved Circulation – Guggul has been traditionally used to promote better circulation. In the context of heart failure, improving blood flow is essential to ensure that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to tissues and organs, especially when the heart’s pumping ability is compromised.
5. Blood Pressure Regulation – Some research suggests that Guggul may help in lowering blood pressure, another key factor in managing heart failure. High blood pressure adds extra strain on the heart and can worsen symptoms of heart failure, so managing it is vital for heart health.
6. Cardioprotective Properties – Guggul has been shown to have direct protective effects on the heart muscle. It is believed to help improve the function of the heart and reduce the negative effects of heart failure, including symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling.

6. Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

Hawthorn is often used in the treatment of heart failure due to its potential benefits in supporting heart function. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for cardiovascular health. How hawthorn helps in maintaining heart health

1. Improving Heart Function – Hawthorn has been shown to enhance heart function by improving the contractility of the heart muscle. This means it helps the heart pump more effectively, which is crucial in heart failure, where the heart’s ability to pump blood is compromised.
2. Vasodilation – Hawthorn can help dilate blood vessels, which improves blood flow. In heart failure, this reduces the workload on the heart by lowering blood pressure and easing the circulation of blood throughout the body.
3. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects – Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in the progression of heart failure. Hawthorn contains compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the heart from further damage.
4. Supporting Heart Rhythm – Hawthorn may help regulate heart rhythm and prevent arrhythmias, which are common in heart failure.

Active components in Hawthorn –

1. Flavonoids – Flavonoids, such as quercetin, hyperoside, and rutin, are present in hawthorn. These compounds have antioxidant properties that protect the heart and improve circulation.
2. Procyanidins – These are a type of flavonoid found in hawthorn that may help improve heart muscle function. Procyanidins enhance blood vessel dilation, improve the heart’s efficiency in pumping, and may help prevent heart failure from progressing.
3. Vitexin – This flavonoid has been studied for its potential to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of arrhythmias. It may also help regulate blood pressure.
4. Triterpenoids – These compounds contribute to the vasodilatory effects of hawthorn, helping to widen blood vessels, which reduces the load on the heart.
5. Saponins – Found in hawthorn, saponins have been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, further benefiting heart health.

Conclusion

Selecting the right herbs for managing heart failure requires careful consideration and should always be done in consultation with a healthcare provider. While certain herbs such as Hawthorn, Guggl, Tulsi, Brahmi, punarnava, Arjuna, Ashwagandha, etc, offer potential benefits like improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced heart function, it is crucial to approach herbal remedies with caution, especially when managing a serious condition like heart failure. Key factors to keep in mind include understanding the potential interactions between herbs and prescribed medications, as well as the individual’s overall health and specific needs. Herbs with mild diuretic properties, antioxidant effects, and those known to support cardiovascular health may offer supplementary support, but they should never replace conventional treatments. By choosing herbs wisely, starting with small doses, and monitoring their effects and changes in body, individuals can safely incorporate herbal support into their heart failure management plan. Ultimately, combining professional medical advice with appropriate herbal remedies can help create a holistic approach to managing heart failure and supporting overall heart health.