CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE DIET AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

ABSTRACT

Congestive Heart Failure is caused when the heart is not pumping enough blood throughout the body. The heart is the main organ which is a network of various blood vessels which pump blood to the whole body. The heart is a fist-shaped organ which is the main primary organ of the circulatory system. The heart has four chambers which are made up of muscles and are powered by electrical impulses. The heart is located in front of the chest region just slightly left of the breastbone, which sits between the right and left lungs so the size of the left lung is slightly smaller. The weight of an adult heart is 10 ounces, and the part of the heart has Walls, Chambers, Valves, Blood vessels and the electrical system. In this article, we are going to discuss the alternative treatments and various herbal remedies for Congestive Heart Failure in detail.

Congestive Heart Failure

INTRODUCTION

Congestive Heart Failure is known as Heart Failure which does not pump efficient blood which cannot keep the body’s demand and blood returns faster than it is pumped. Heart Failure affects 6 million people and roughly 670,000 people are diagnosed with Heart Failure each year. It is a chronic progressive condition which affects the pumping house of the heart muscles. Chronic heart Failure can be life-threatening which can happen when the blood moves back and fluid can build up in the Lungs which leads to shortness of breath. Heart Failure is not a disease but a syndrome which contains both Signs and Symptoms which decrease the intracardiac pressure during systole which reduces the cardiac output in the rest of the body.  

TYPES OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

  • Left-sided Heart Failure –  When the heart is too weak to pump the blood to the lungs which get the oxygen.
  • Right-sided Heart Failure – When the heart can not pump enough blood out of the body. This is seen due to the heart becoming too weak to pump blood or the left side of the heart becoming too thick or relaxed to fill the blood.   
  • High Output Heart Failure (arare form of Congestive Heart Failure)

FOUR STAGES OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Heart Failure is a chronic condition which can worsen with time and has four stages of heart failure

  1. Stage A – It is a pre-heart failure which develops the high risk of heart failure. It has various history which leads to stage A.
    • Hypertension
    • Diabetes
    • Coronary artery disease
    • Metabolic Syndrome
    • History of Alcohol use
    • Cardiomyopathy
  2. Stage B – It means that the left ventricle is not working or there is an abnormal structure.
  3. Stage C – People with stage C, have various Signs and Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure.
  4. Stage D and REDUCED EF – In this stage, there is a reduced Ejection Fraction which is the final stage of heart failure.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

  • Heart Failure is the reduction of the efficiency of heart muscle which is seen through overloading.
  • This overloading increases the workload due to the long-term activation of a neurohormonal system that is Renin-Angiotensin system and the sympathoadrenal system which leads to dilation and fibrosis.
  • These structural changes lead to a change in the left ventricle from elliptical to spherical.
  • So, these changes lead to a reduction in the force of contraction due to ventricle overloading.
  • As by the rule Frank-Starling law of the heart states that the normal heart increases the filling of the ventricle with increased contraction and rise in cardiac output. In contrast, in heart failure the ventricle is loaded with blood and the muscles of the heart get contracted and become less efficient.

CAUSES OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

  • Coronary Artery Disease – It is the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which narrows the arteries and reduces the flow of blood.   
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Heart issues present at birth – When the chambers and valves haven’t formed correctly.  
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension – forces hard to pump blood through the body. 
  • Arrhythmia
  • Various kidney diseases
  • alcohol use
  • Tobacco and various usage of drugs
  • Cancer medications (chemotherapy)
  • Endocarditis – Inflammation of the muscle of the heart
  • Clot present in lungs 

SYMPTOMS OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

  • Congested Lungs – There is the filling of fluid in the region of the lungs which leads to shortness of breath and causes congestion of the lungs.
  • Retention of water – This results in swelling of ankles, oedema of legs and abdomen, increased urge to urinate and loss of appetite.
  • Irregular Heart Rates
  • Persistent cough
  • Chest Pain
  • Bloated Stomach   
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Weight Gain
  • Nocturnal Urination

DIAGNOSIS

  • Electrocardiogram
  • Chest X-Ray
  • BNP Test (B-type Natriuretic Peptide test)
  • Echocardiogram
  • Holter Monitor
  • Exercise Stress Test
  • Genetic Testing
  • Multigated Acquisition Scan (MUGA Scan)
  • Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

TREATMENT

  1. Stage A – It Includes
    • Regular Exercise
    • No Tobacco
    • Treatment for high blood pressure and cholesterol.
    • Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor and Angiotensin 2 receptor blocker.
  2. Stage B
    • Beta Blocker
    • Aldosterone Antagonist
    • Intervention for Coronary Artery blockage, Heart attack and Valve Disease
    • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
  3. Stage C
    • Beta-blocker
    • Sodium-glucose Transport 2 Inhibitors
    • Diuretic
    • Aldosterone Antagonist
    • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
    • ICD Therapy (implantable cardiac defibrillator)
  4. Stage D
    • Heart Transplant
    • Surgery of the heart
    • Inotropic drugs
    • Palliative care
  5. Stage C and D with Preserved EF
    • Treatment for Stages A and B
    • Diuretic (water pill)
    • It is important to manage health conditions such as
      • Diabetes
      • Kidney Disease
      • Anaemia
      • High Blood Pressure
      • Asthma
      • Chronic Lung Disease

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

In Ayurveda, Hridya (Heart) comes under Trimarma which provides Rasa, Rakta, Prana and Ojas to all Srotas through the Siras of the body.

Congestive Heart Failure is known as ‘Hridaya Avrodha’ whose origin occurs from the Rasa Dhatu which is one of the main channels and is one of the seven channels of the body. Rasa Dhatu is formed after the proper digestion of food, but due to improper eating habits, Stress and Weak Digestive fire lead to the formation of Toxins (Ama doshas) which further affects the Rasa Dhatu.  Ama Doshas accumulate in the Heart and block the channels which leads to Congestive Heart Failure.

Ayurveda herbs help manage Congestive Heart Failure which removes the toxins from the channels thus maintaining good digestion and further restricting the accumulation of Ama (Toxins) from the body. Thus there are many herbs which help provide strength to the muscles of the heart in a good natural way. Thus there are many Panchkarma procedures such as Snehana, Swedana and Basti which eliminate the toxin. During the treatment Diet and Exercise help pacify the vitiated doshas and are thus useful in boosting the metabolic process of the body. In this article, we are going to discuss How Diet is useful in Heart disease along with various herbal remedies for Congestive Heart Failure which will be safe and cause no side effects on the body.

Herbal Supplements By Planet Ayurveda For Congestive Heart Failure

With a focus on manufacturing a variety of Ayurvedic formulas by the principles of Ayurveda, Planet Ayurveda is a well-known Ayurvedic enterprise, registered with the US FDA and GMP-ISO. Planet Ayurveda produces its goods using just pure herbs; no preservatives or additives are added. Planet Ayurveda products are free of harmful substances and aid in the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. For Congestive Heart Failure, Planet Ayurveda manufactured the “HEART CARE PACK” which contains various herbal supplements for Congestive Heart Failure it is the best Alternative treatment for Heart problems and provides positive results on the body without any side effects as the medicines prepared by Planet Ayurveda are pure and herbal without any addition of Chemicals or preservatives.

PRODUCTS LIST

  1. Arjuna Capsules
  2. Arjun Tea
  3. Total Heart Support
  4. Gotu Kola
Heart Care Pack

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Arjuna Capsules

Arjuna Capsules is a single capsule formulation which is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using a Standardised extract of Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna). Arjuna has an Astringent taste with cold potency which balances the Pitta and Kapha doshas. Improves muscle coordination thus improving the health of the heart.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals with Plain water

2. Arjun Tea

Arjun Tea is an herbal tea formulation which is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and more. This tea helps in supporting the Healthy circulatory system, thus balancing the healthy metabolism of the body.

Method Of Use

  • Put 2 Cups of Water in a Saucepan.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of Arjuna Powder to the 2 cups of Water and stir this mixture.
  • Boil this mixture and sim it on low flame until reduced to 1 cup.
  • Strain the tea

3. Total Heart Support Capsules

Total Heart Support is a polyherbal Capsule formulation which is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using various ingredients such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These capsules help maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. Is an effective remedy for high cholesterol and congestive heart failure.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals with Plain water

4. Gotu Kola Capsules

Gotu Kola Capsules is a single herbal capsule formulation which is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda using a standardised extract of Mandookparni (Centella asiatica). Gotu Kola has Cold Potency which is useful in all Hridya (heart problems) and improves the texture of the skin. Maintains healthy metabolism of the body, balances Kapha and Pitta doshas.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals with Plain Water

DIET FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Whenever we hear the word “diet,” we frequently picture a temporary craze, “Diet” suggests limitations, limitations, and a one-size-fits-all philosophy, all of which are contradictory to Ayurveda. Ayurveda takes a different approach when it comes to the idea of dieting, encouraging us to choose and prepare foods with more awareness to support each person’s path to greater health and well-being. Ayurveda focuses on developing a healthy daily routine, and this leads to a surprisingly good regularity that is beneficial for agni. By creating a feeling of regularity and reducing stress, routines help agni get used to eating at regular times. We can completely digest before consuming more food when our meals are properly spread out and we don’t snack in between. This promotes our natural hunger as well. Generally speaking, agni requires three to six hours to completely digest and metabolise between meals. For this reason, Ayurveda advises against snacking because doing so decreases agni, the digestive fire before the preceding meal has had a chance to properly digest.

Diet Plan For Congestive Heart Failure
                   AVOID            CONSUME
1.Vegetables – Canned and Frozen vegetables, Raw vegetables1. Vegetables – Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Spinach, Bell Peppers, Onions, Zucchini, Peas, Potatoes, Cauliflower and Cabbage.
2. Fruits – Canned and Frozen Fruits   2. Fruits – Pomegranate, Papaya, Apple, Raspberry, Banana, Orange, Melon, Kiwi, Black Grapes.
3. Pulses – All the heavy lentils.3. Pulses – Yellow Lentils, Green Lentils, Split grams and Pigeon grams.
4. Milk Products – Full-fat cream, Cheese, Yogurt and various other Dairy Products.4. Milk Products – Low Fat Milk, Cow’s ghee, Plant-based Milk Products, Oats Milk and Soya Milk.
5. Dry Fruits and Seeds – Peanuts, Cashews and Pistachio.5. Dry Fruits and Seeds – Almonds, Walnuts (Soaked), Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds and Sunflower Seeds.
6. Cereals – Refined Whole grains, White Rice, Refined Flour and its products.6. Cereals – Wheat, Brown Rice, All Types of Millets.
7. Oils – Unsaturated fats, Refined Oils, Palm Oil and Mustard Oil.7. Oils – Olive Oil and Soybean Oil.
8. Spices – Excess Salt and Red Chilly8. Spices – Turmeric, Coriander, Cardamom, Cumin, Cinnamon, Black Pepper and Thyme.
9. Flesh Food/ Non Veg– Avoid all Non Vegetarian food.9. Flesh Food/Non-Veg – Egg (white part), Grilled Salmon, Rohu and Chicken Soup
1. Other Food– Packaged, Canned, Processed, Bakery Items, Cream Based Liqueurs, Coffee, Tea and Chocolates.10. Other Food – Homemade Food, Jaggery, Coconut Water, Arjun Tea, Beetroot Juice, Broken Wheat Porridge, Veg Vermicelli, Veg oats, Gram Flour Pancakes.

CONCLUSION

The weight of an adult heart is 10 ounces, and the part of the heart has Walls, Chambers, Valves, Blood vessels and the electrical system. Congestive Heart Failure is known as Heart Failure which does not pump efficient blood which cannot keep the body’s demand and blood returns faster than it is pumped. In Ayurveda, Hridya (Heart) comes under Trimarma which provides Rasa, Rakta, Prana and Ojas to all Srotas through the Siras of the body. Congestive Heart Failure is known as ‘Hridaya Avrodha’ whose origin occurs from the Rasa Dhatu which is one of the main channels and is one of the seven channels of the body. In this article, we discussed herbal remedies from Planet Ayurveda in detail along with a Diet which is highly recommended in patients with Heart Diseases.

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Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD - Ayurveda) is a Globally Renowned Ayurveda Physician with Expertise of more than 25 Years. He is the CEO & Founder of Planet Ayurveda Private Limited, a leading Ayurveda Brand, Manufacturing, and Export Company with a Chain of Clinics and Branches in the US, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and other parts of the World. He is also an Ayurveda Author who has written Books on Ayurveda, translated into Many European Languages. One of his Books is "Ayurveda – God’s Manual for Healing". He is on a Mission to Spread Ayurveda All Over the Planet through all the Possible Mediums. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments with the help of the Purest Herbal Supplements, Diet, and Lifestyle, according to the Principles of Ayurveda. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com