Category: Heart Health

Understanding Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

ABSTRACT

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease that usually appears in adulthood. Heart disease includes many heart problems which means it includes heart and blood vessel disease. The heart is a muscular organ which pumps blood through the blood vessels of the circulatory system. In humans, the size of the heart is approximately the size of a fist which is located between the lungs in the middle compartment of the chest. Usually, the heart is divided into four chambers: upper left and right atria and lower left and right ventricles.

In a healthy heart, blood flows one way through the heart due to heart valves which prevent backflow. The walls of the heart are made up of three layers epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. The deoxygenated blood enters the heart through the right atrium from the superior and inferior vena cava and further passes to the right ventricle. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death. It is situated in the mediastinum at the level of T5-T8, a double membrane sc known as pericardium surrounds the heart and attaches to the mediastinum. An adult heart has a mass of 250-350 gm. The fibrous cardiac skeleton gives the structure to the heart and the cardiac skeleton provides the boundary in the heart’s electrical conduction system. In this article, we are going to discuss the causes, symptoms and ayurvedic management of ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy).

INTRODUCTION

ARVC (Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) is a disorder of the myocardium which is the muscular layer of the heart. This condition causes the part of the myocardium to break down and increases the risk of abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) and causes sudden death. It is known as Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), which is inherited heart disease. It can be found in association with diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma and wooly hair which is an autosomal recessive condition known as Naxos disease. It is predominantly seen in males, 30-50% have familial distribution. The main clinical hallmark of this disease is ventricular arrhythmias which is arising from the right ventricle. The fatty fibrous tissue replaces the normal heart muscle which interrupts the normal signals in the heart and causes an irregular and life-threatening heart rhythm. Usually begins in the right ventricle (as the right ventricle stretches out and becomes thin and poorly contracts)  but after some time affects the left ventricle, so there is irregular heart pumping so blood backs up in the circulatory system which causes the fluid to build up in the soft tissues and sometimes in the lungs which further causes oedema and shortness of breath and results in heart failure. ARVC is a rare genetic disease which shows symptoms between the age of 10-50 years of age.

ARRHYTHMOGENIC RIGHT VENTRICULAR CARDIOMYOPATHY

PATHOGENESIS

The cause is unknown, but apoptosis (cell death) plays an important role. This disease starts in the subepicardial region and moves towards the endocardial surface which leads to transmural involvement.  There are 2 pathological patterns which are seen in ACM/ARVC- Fatty infiltration and fibro-fatty filtration.

  1. Fatty infiltration-
  2. It is confined to the right ventricle and involves a partial and near complete substitution of the myocardium with fatty tissue without thinning of the walls.
  3. There is evidence of myocyte degeneration and death is seen in 50% of fatty infiltration.
  4. Fibro Fatty Infiltration-
  5. It is the replacement of myocytes with fibrofatty tissues.
  6. Myocardial atrophy is due to injury and apoptosis which leads to thinning of the RV free wall.
  7. These areas are prone to aneurysm formation

STAGES OF ARRHYTHMOGENIC RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSPLASIA

There are 3 stages of ARVC (Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia)-

  1. Concealed Stage- There are no symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm while exercising.
  2. Electrical Stage- There is a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias and risk of sudden cardiac death, ECG shows abnormal heart rhythm issues.
  3. Structural Stage- They are at even higher risk of abnormal ventricular rhythm and sudden cardiac death.  

CAUSES

  1. It results from a genetic defect. 60% of people have genetic mutations. Due to mutations in the desmosomes, genes impair the functions of desmosomes, without normal desmosomes, cells of the myocardium detach and die so heart muscles come under pressure. The damaged myocardium gets replaced with fat and scar tissue. As the abnormal build-up walls of the ventricle get stretched out it prevents the flow and leads to changes in arrhythmia.
  2. There are 2 patterns of inheritance for ARVC-
  3. Autosomal Dominant- when one of the parents has a genetic mutation, it is more prevalent in Italy and other geographic areas
  4. Autosomal Recessive- When both the parents have genetic mutations but show no symptoms. It can be seen in Naxos disease which causes the thickening of the skin.
  5. Viral and inflammatory myocarditis
  6. Birth abnormalities which affect the right ventricle

SYMPTOMS

  1. ARVC causes chest pain which seems like a heart attack
  2. Ventricular arrhythmias- The irregular heart rhythms start in the ventricles or the lower chamber of the heart, the most common rhythm is ventricular tachycardia. Almost 77% of people are in this condition.  
  3. Supraventricular arrhythmias are most often in atrial fibrillation
  4. Heart Palpitations- that is the fluttering of the chest which forms abnormal rhythms of the heart.
  5. Chest pain
  6. Sudden cardiac death
  7. Shortness of breath
  8.  Swelling in the legs, ankles and abdomen
  9.  Fainting
  10. Lightheadedness

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
  2. A Signal averaged ECG (SAECG)
  3. Cardiac MRI
  4. Holter monitor
  5. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  6. Biopsy
  7. Cardiac Computed Tomography
  8. Transthoracic echocardiogram

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

  1. Congenital heart disease-
  2. Partial anomalous venous return
  3. Atrial septal defect
  4. Repaired tetralogy of Fallot
  5. Acquired heart disease-
  6. Tricuspid valve disease
  7. Pulmonary hypertension
  8. Right ventricular infarction
  9. Miscellaneous-
  10. Sarcoidosis
  11. Idiopathic RVOT tachycardia  

TREATMENT

  1. Antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone
  2. Blood pressure medications such as Beta blockers and diuretics
  3. Anticoagulant (Warfarin)
  4. Radiofrequency (catheter ablation)
  5. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
  6. Heart Transplant

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

In ARVC (Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) this is due to the consumption of causative agents, the doshas get vitiated. These doshas contaminate the rasa dhatus (nutritional fluid in the circulation) and then enter the hridya (heart). On entering the heart through rasa dhatus, the doshas get troubled and cause hrid roga.

  1.  Due to imbalance  Vata doshas cause irregular heartbeat.
  2. As the pitta doshas get aggravated that is responsible for an increased heartbeat.
  3.  As the Kapha dosha gets imbalanced it results in a slow down of heartbeat.

NIDANA

  1. Consumption of too hot foods
  2. Excessive consumption of sour, bitter foods
  3. Excessive thinking, stress
  4. Excessive physical activity
  5. Administration of a strong enema
  6. Excessive indulgence in sexual activity
  7. Frequent vomiting
  8. Excessive formation of ama (toxins)
  9. Forcibly withholding the natural urges
  10. Fear
  11. Panic
  12. Emaciation

TYPES OF HRID ROGAS

Hrid rogas is of 5 types

  1. Vataja Hrid Rogas- heart disease is caused by vitiation of Vata
  2. Pittaja Hrid Rogas- Heart disease is caused by vitiation of pitta
  3. Kaphaja Hrid Rogas- Heart disease due to vitiation of Kapha
  4. Tridoshaja Hrid Rogas- This is caused by the vitiation of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
  5. Krimija Hrid Rogas- Heart disease is caused by worms, bacteria (infections)

1. Vataja Hridrogas – It causes

  • Expansion of heart
  • Churning type of pain
  • Tearing type of pain
  • Cutting type of pain

2. Pittaja Hridrogas – It causes

  • Severe thirst, sucking pain
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dryness in the oral cavity
  • Sucking pain

3. Kaphaja Hridrogas – It causes

  • Heaviness in the body
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stiffness
  • Rigidity
  • Excessive salivation

4. Tridosha HridRogas

Whole doshas will be seen in tridosha hridrogas

5. Krimija Hrid Rogas

This is seen in patients who consume apathya ahara vihara, which manifests kleda. Experience the toda (pricking type of pain) in the heart region.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tastelessness
  • Excessive dryness in the body     

HERBS USEFUL IN ARVC (Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy)

1. ARJUNA

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) helps to balance pitta and Kapha doshas and has a great effect on cardiac diseases so known as a cardiac tonic (strengthens the heart and is useful in angina and in high blood pressure). It is used in the treatment of aconite poisoning. Because its kshaya ras is useful in the healing of fractures. Helps to reduce fat and cholesterol levels, useful in chest injuries and in many bleeding disorders./p>

2. BRAHMI

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) helps to improve intelligence, acts as an excellent anti-ageing herb and has antioxidant properties. It acts as a nerve tonic which promotes the growth of the brain and helps to improve the coordination between the tongue and limbs. Useful in many psychiatric disorders which improve the quality of life and in many spleen disorders. It is also good for heart disorders so known for its cardiac tone property.

3. SHANKHPUSHPI

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) helps to improve intelligence and memory.  It is known for its natural detoxification property, improves strength, induces sleep and helps to improve the quality of hair and promotes hair growth. Shankhpushpi is known for its rasayan property. It helps to improve the complexion of the skin and is used in many skin disorders.

4. VACHA

Vacha (Acorus calamus) helps to balance Vata and Kapha doshas. Vacha helps to relieve the ama dosha so helpful in the digestion process and useful against many psychological imbalances and disorders. It is extensively used in the treatment of obesity which relieves syphilis and in Vata doshas imbalances. Helps to induce uterine contraction so it is useful in dysmenorrhea. Improves speech, memory and intelligence.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR ARVC (Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy)

Planet ayurveda is an ayurvedic manufacturing company that makes all the formulations from its natural resources. They have many branches overseas. Planet ayurveda is a GMP certified company, all products made are free from any preservatives, colors and additional resins. Ingredients are free from any adulterations. Products cause no side effects but provide many health benefits to patients.

PRODUCTS LIST

  1. ARJUNA CAPSULES
  2. ARJUN TEA
  3. TOTAL HEART SUPPORT
  4. HRIDAYARNAVA RASA
  5. BRAHMI VATI 

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Arjuna Capsules

Arjuna Capsules are single herbal capsules which are made by planet ayurveda using a single standardized extract of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). These capsules help to balance the tridoshas in the body, Help to support the healthy circulation of the heartwhich maintains healthy blood cells and healthy metabolism. Taking these capsules supports the healthy cholesterol level in the body.

Dosage-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals

2. ARJUN TEA

Arjuna Tea is a herbal tea formulation which is made by planet ayurveda using various ingredients such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Chhoti Elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum) and many more. This herbal tea is an effective remedy for maintaining heart and blood pressure. It is also helpful in high cholesterol, congestive heart failure and many heart problems. This tea is rich in antioxidants and provides support to the vascular system.

Dosage– 2 cups twice daily

3. Total Heart Support

Total heart support are polyherbal capsules made by planet Ayurveda using ingredients such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and many more. This capsule is helpful in balancing Vata and pitta doshas. Helpful in heart disease in the treatment of high cholesterol levels and in congestive heart failure. Due to weakness in heart muscles, there is breathlessness so it is an effective remedy for heart disorders.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Hridayarnava Rasa

Hridayarnava Rasa is a tablet formulation which is prepared by planet Ayurveda using ingredients such as Shuddh Parad (Purified mercury), Tamra Bhasma, Shuddh Gandhak and many more. This tablet is helpful in cardiac disorders which further cause breathlessness. Heaviness in the chest and in many heart-related problems. This helps to balance Kapha doshas.

Dosage– 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Brahmi Vati

Brahmi Vati is a classical ayurvedic formulation which is made by planet ayurveda in the form of tablet using ingredients such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Swarna Makshika bhasma and many more. These tablets are useful in panic attacks and in maintaining normal blood pressure. It is used in sleeplessness, in chronic fever and anxiety.

Dosage- 1 tablet twice daily with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease that usually appears in adulthood. ARVC (Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) is a disorder of the myocardium which is the muscular layer of the heart. This condition causes the part of the myocardium to break down and increases the risk of abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) and causes sudden death.   ARVC is a rare genetic disease which shows symptoms between the age of 10-50 years of age. On entering the heart through rasa dhatus, the doshas get troubled and cause hrid roga. We discussed many herbal remedies by planet ayurveda which are really effective and cause no side effects.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Myxomatous Mitral valve

Myxomatous Mitral valve

Abstract

Our heart has four chambers. Two upper chambers are called the right and left atrium while the lower two chambers are called the right and left ventricles. These four chambers work together to allow the proper functioning of the heart. Any deformity in any of these four chambers because of any reason can cause serious complications. One such complication/disorder is the Myxomatous Mitral valve. It can also be pronounced as Barlow syndrome, Billowing mitral valve syndrome, Click-murmur syndrome, Floppy valve syndrome, and mitral prolapse. In this article, we will discuss all possible causes of Myxomatous Mitral valve and its ayurvedic treatment.

Myxomatous Mitral valve

Introduction

The atrium and ventricle on the right are separated by the tricuspid valve and on the left by the mitral valve (bicuspid valve). Myxomatous Mitral valve is a heart valve disorder (mitral valve disorder) that can be due to prolapse and improper closure of valve flaps. The valves open to let blood flow from the upper chambers to the lower ventricles. In between heart contractions the valves open through flaps (leaflets) that allow passage of blood through them and no blood can pass to ventricles from these flaps are closed. If leakage of blood is present, it may indicate Myxomatous Mitral valve disorder. It may cause a backward flow of blood to the atrium during contractions. Surgery may be recommended if treatment is not done at the proper time and conditions worsen to severe regurgitation.

Ayurvedic Aspect

The heart is called ‘Hridya’ and its disorders are called “Hridya Rogas” in Ayurveda. Valves disorders can be described and correlated with ‘Kabhatika Hridyaroga”. Rakta (Blood) and Kapha come together to arise Hridya. The main function of Hridya is to circulate Rakt (Blood) throughout the body. Heart contractions are influenced by Vata dosha and any disturbance in dosha balance along with dhatus (ras, rakt, mams, medah) dearth may lead to malfunctioning of the heart (valves). Continuous imbalance can further cause more damage to heart walls, valves, and arteries. Timely balancing of tridoshas and requirement of dhatus is fulfilled. For that purpose, Ayurveda recommends healthy diet plans, lifestyle modifications, along with herbal medications.

Causes

Due to a problem in the working of mitral valve flaps Myxomatous Mitral valve disorder occurs. The problem with the flap’s normal working can be due to various reasons

  • Prolapsed of valves
  • Overstretching of flaps
  • Heavy working men
  • Age of 50 years or more
  • Inherited

Associated with some autoimmune diseases

  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Grave’s disease (thyroid disorder)
  • Scoliosis

Symptoms

Myxomatous Mitral valve symptoms can vary according to the degree of valve prolapse in every person

  • Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
  • Breathlessness
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty in breathing during heavy work
  • Weakness/fatigue

Diagnosis

Tests are done to confirm the diagnosis

  • X-ray – chest
  • Echocardiogram
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Exercise tests/ stress tests
  • Cardiac catheterization

Complications

Untreated heart valve disease can cause

  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Mitral valve regurgitation
  • Blood clots
  • Cardiac arrest

Treatment

Most people with Myxomatous Mitral valve do not require any treatment because of their asymptomatic condition. But unidentified cases along with untreated cases may result in prolonged complications. Basic treatment methods for Myxomatous Mitral valve are

Medications

  • Beta-blockers
  • Antibiotics
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Antiarrhythmics (for heart rhythm)

In severe cases

  • Surgery – It may require the replacement or repair of heart valves.
  • Open heart surgery
  • Minimal invasive surgery

Herbal Remedies for Myxomatous Mitral Valve by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading manufacturing company of various herbal medications with the best overall result for many years. This company is internationally certified and people worldwide are using these medicines. Their products are 100% vegetarian and are made from various potential medicinal plants. They strictly follow government guidelines for making their products the best. Planet Ayurveda provides a Heart Care Pack to treat the Myxomatous Mitral valve. It is the best treatment option with no side effects. Here are the further details about the working and efficacy of the product

Heart Care Pack

Ingredients list

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

Herbal Remedies for Myxomatous Mitral valve
Buy Now- Heart care pack

Ingredients description

1. Arjuna Capsule

These classical capsules are prepared from standard extracts of the herb Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). Arjuna is a drug of choice for heart diseases. It maintains healthy blood cells and their proper circulation in heart vessels. Arjuna capsules manufactured by planet Ayurveda are purely made from extracts of Arjuna. Arjuna balances tridoshas and also maintains accurate levels of cholesterol in the body. It also strengthens heart muscles and enhances blood-pumping activity.

Dosage – Have 1 capsule twice daily with water.

2. Arjun Tea

This herbal tea contains herbal powder of the marvelous herb Arjuna along with Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Pipal Tvak (Ficus religiosa), Elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum), and Dalchini (Cinnamomum zaylanicum). This tea is rich in antioxidants are improves metabolism. It provides nutrition to the heart in a very natural way. Regular consumption of tea maintains heart health and protects it from any adverse effects. It supports healthy heart vessels and maintains accurate blood flow through them. It tones up the heart’s arterial system. There are no added chemicals, preservatives, or caffeine in the tea. It is a pure herbal tea and excellent for heart patients.

Dosage – Drink 1 cup of this tea daily.

3. Total Heart Support

These polyherbal capsules contain standard extracts of the following four herbs – Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). All these four ingredients have various benefits. Together use of these herbs in these capsules enhances their working actions and boosts immunity. They together work on the heart, brain, and overall on all important organs of the body and enhance physical and mental performance. They reduce stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. Also helps to prevent various heart problems such as angina and heart attack.

Dosage – Have 2 capsules twice daily.

4. Gotu Kola Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the herb Mandookparni (Centella asiatica) also called gotu kola. These capsules are pure and free from chemicals. It has main actions on the brain as well as the heart. Proper blood flow is maintained by these capsules. It stabilizes plaques in the blood and thus reduces the chances of blood clots and associated heart or brain problems.

Dosage – Have 1 capsule two times with water every day.

Conclusion

Eating a healthy diet, proper exercise/yoga, and following dincharya (Proper daily routine) helps you to remain healthy and prevent heart problems according to our Vedas. Still, any heart condition if recorded may be healed with ayurvedic drugs and therapies. Untreated Hridyarogas (Heart/valve diseases) for a long period can lead to shosham and vaikalyam (blockage or failure) of Heart valves. For proper and safe recovery from such heart problems visit us at www.planetayurveda.com.