Aortic stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve, mainly because of congenital causes, age related degeneration and scarring due to rheumatic fever. This results in hypertrophy of the heart muscles, gradually resulting in a decrease in cardiac output and heart failure. Chest pain, fainting and breathlessness are common symptoms of this condition. In a majority of the patients, dilatation of the valve or surgical valve replacement is the only viable option.
Ayurvedic treatment of aortic valve stenosis is initially aimed at reducing the immediate symptoms of the condition. Medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Medohar- Guggulu and Trayodashang-Guggulu are used to reduce the strain on the heart muscles. Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Gokshuradi-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Qadha are used to reduce the work load on the heart.
Medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Abhrak-Bhasma are used to strengthen the heart. Laxadi-Guggulu and Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu are used to improve the function of the aortic valve. In addition, medicines acting on the’Rakta’ and ‘Mansa’ dhatus (tissues) of the body are also very useful for this condition. These medicines include Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha ( Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Triphala (Three fruits), Nimba (Azadirachta indica) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica).
Ayurvedic treatment, taken for a long duration, can reduce the symptoms of this condition and prolong the survival of affected individuals. While this treatment is mostly indicated for patients who cannot resort to surgical procedures, it is also very useful in the pre-operative and post-operative stages. Ayurvedic medicines can be taken in addition to standard therapy given for this condition.