Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 34M : 22S
background-image
Click Here
background image
General Medicine
Question #18591
328 days ago
596

VAD - #18591

Logan

My grandfather has been experiencing severe heart problems for the past few years, and recently, his doctor mentioned the possibility of needing a VAD. To be honest, I had never heard of a VAD before, and when I looked it up, I got a lot of medical terms that were hard to understand. I want to get a clearer picture, especially from an Ayurvedic perspective. From what I understand, a VAD is a device that helps the heart pump blood when it's too weak to do so on its own. My grandfather has been struggling with heart failure, and his doctor said that a VAD could be used either as a temporary solution while waiting for a heart transplant or as a long-term support option. But I wonder, is it really the only choice for a weak heart? Are there Ayurvedic alternatives that can strengthen the heart naturally? Lately, he has been experiencing fatigue, swelling in his legs, and shortness of breath even when doing simple activities like walking to the bathroom. His appetite has also decreased significantly, and he often complains about dizziness. Are these signs that his heart is failing further? Could a VAD improve these symptoms, or would it come with more complications? One of my biggest concerns is the surgery and recovery process. My grandfather is 75 years old, and I worry about how his body will handle the procedure. How risky is it for someone his age to get a VAD implanted? I’ve also heard that people with a VAD are at higher risk for infections and blood clots. Are there Ayurvedic remedies that can help strengthen the immune system and prevent these complications? Another thing I read is that people with a VAD need to be on blood thinners for life. Are there any Ayurvedic herbs that can naturally support healthy blood circulation and reduce clotting risk? I would love to know if there are dietary changes or herbal treatments that can help his heart work better without depending completely on invasive procedures. We are also worried about his quality of life after the surgery. Will he still be able to move around easily, or will he have to live with constant medical monitoring? If he gets a VAD, how much will his daily routine change? Will he still be able to travel, or will he be limited in his activities? I want to make sure we explore all possible options before making a decision. Are there any Ayurvedic therapies that can help strengthen the heart muscles naturally? Would a special diet, yoga, or herbal treatments help improve his condition without the need for a VAD? Doctor, what do you recommend in such cases? Should we go for the VAD, or are there alternative treatments we should try first?

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

I’m glad you’re reaching out to find a deeper understanding of your grandfather’s heart condition and exploring options from an Ayurvedic perspective. Given his symptoms of fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, and dizziness, it indeed suggests potential heart failure, which is quite serious at his age. A VAD can provide essential support, but it’s important to weigh options carefully and understand the risks and benefits.

From an Ayurvedic approach, we will focus on balancing the heart’s function, supporting overall health, and improving quality of life. A heart-healthy diet is crucial; recommend warm, light, and easily digestible foods that pacify the Pitta dosha, as heart issues can be aggravated by an imbalance. Include nourishing foods such as whole grains like quinoa and barley, fresh fruits, especially those rich in antioxidants like berries, and vegetables like spinach and carrots. Incorporating herbs like Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) can strengthen heart function; it’s known to support cardiovascular health and improve circulation. You might suggest making a tea with Arjuna bark combined with ginger and honey for taste and digestibility.

Daily yoga practices such as gentle stretching and pranayama (breathing exercises) can significantly improve oxygenation, reduce stress, and enhance circulation. Guided practices that focus on gentle heart-opening postures would be beneficial but should be adapted to his capacity.

To address immune support and reduce infection risks, consider incorporating herbs like Turmeric (Curcuma longa) for its anti-inflammatory properties, and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for overall vitality and stress reduction.

While Ayurveda offers supportive therapies, it’s essential to remember that severe heart issues may need medical intervention. The decision regarding a VAD should be made in consultation with his healthcare team, considering his age, overall health status, and the potential for positive change through comprehensive lifestyle modifications. Risk of surgery like implanting a VAD must be balanced against possible improvements in quality of life. It’s vital to ensure that any herbal treatments or dietary changes complement the medical care he is receiving – work closely with his doctors when considering these options.

While Ayurveda can provide support, given the seriousness of his condition, I encourage you to integrate these holistic approaches alongside necessary medical interventions, keeping constant communication with healthcare professionals for the safest and best outcomes.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Ramesh Bhatiya
I am having about a year of hands-on experience in clinical health, mostly working closely with patients in real care settings. My focus stay on understanding disease beyond reports, looking at daily habits, mental state, and overall strength of body. I follow a holistic approach especially while supporting cancer patients, where care is not only about symptoms but also comfort, nutrition, and emotional balance. During this time I worked with patients at different stages of illness, and that taught me patience, sometimes things move slow, sometimes progress feel uneven. I try to integrate holistic health principles carefully, without overdoing anything, because every patient respond differntly. Cancer care, in my view, need gentle planning and steady follow-up, not aggressive promises. I believe clinical experience shape judgement more than theory alone, though I still keep learning everyday. My approach remain patient-centric, focused on improving quality of life and supporting overall wellbeing. There are days when outcomes are uncertain, but consistent care and honest guidance still matter a lot, even when answers are not very clear.
0 reviews
Dr. Janvi Dhera
I am a doctor who completed CCH and CGO from Wadia hospital, and that training gave me exposure not just in theory but also in handling patients with very diverse needs. Over time I have treated many cases of chronic skin conditions, gut related disorders and also anorectal issues like piles, fissure and similar complaints. Each case felt different, no two patients respond the same way, and I learnt how to adapt treatment according to prakriti, diet habits, stress levels. Skin problems always catch attention first — psoriasis, eczema, acne that stays for years — but I understood that they often start from inside, from digestion or blood impurities. Gut issues like acidity, constipation, IBS are also common in my practice, and here small corrections in food timing or herbs can change a lot. Anorectal cases, especially piles and fissure, are painful both physically and mentally for patients, so I try to bring a treatment plan that is safe, non-invasive when possible, and focused on long term relief not just temporary fixes. Working with such variety of disorders also taught me patience. Some patients want fast results, but Ayurveda needs time to clean the root cause. I explain them carefully, sometimes repeating many times, that slow healing is stronger healing. Building that trust is important. My approach is always to combine herbal formulations, diet advice, and lifestyle correction with procedures when required, to ensure balance is restored and maintained. For me, Ayurveda is not a set of ready remedies but a flexible science that adapts to each person. Whether it’s skin, gut or anorectal problems, my focus stays on listening, understanding and guiding patients with clarity, honesty and steady support.
5
1 reviews
Dr. Sara Garg
I am someone who believes Ayurveda isn’t just some old system — it’s alive, and actually still works when you use it the way it's meant to be used. My practice mostly revolves around proper Ayurvedic diagnosis (rogi & roga pariksha types), Panchakarma therapies, and ya also a lot of work with herbal medicine — not just prescribing but sometimes preparing stuff myself when needed. I really like that hands-on part actually, like knowing where the herbs came from and how they're processed... changes everything. One of the things I pay a lot of attention to is how a person's lifestyle is playing into their condition. Food, sleep, bowel habits, even small emotional patterns that people don't even realize are affecting their digestion or immunity — I look at all of it before jumping to treatment. Dietary therapy isn’t just telling people to eat less fried food lol. It’s more about timing, combinations, seasonal influence, and what suits their prakriti. That kind of detail takes time, and sometimes patients don’t get why it matters at first.. but slowly it clicks. Panchakarma — I do it when I feel it's needed. Doesn’t suit everyone all the time, but in the right case, it really clears the stuck layers. But again, it's not magic — people need to prep properly and follow instructions. That's where strong communication matters. I make it a point to explain everything without dumping too much Sanskrit unless they’re curious. I also try to keep things simple, like I don’t want patients feeling intimidated or overwhelmed with 10 things at once. We go step by step — sometimes slow, sometimes quick depending on the case. There’s no “one protocol fits all” in Ayurveda and frankly I get bored doing same thing again and again. Whether it’s a fever that won’t go or long-term fatigue or gut mess — I usually go deep into what's behind it. Surface-level fixes don’t last. I rather take the time than rush into wrong herbs. It’s more work, ya, but makes a diff in long run.
5
420 reviews
Dr. Vignesh M
I am an Ayurvedic practitioner with around 3 years of clinical practice, and during this time I have consulted patients with a wide range of health conditions, focusing on accurate diagnosis and practical treatment plans. My work is deeply rooted in classical Ayurveda, and I try to stay honest to the core principles of ancient Ayurvedic medicine, especially when it comes to understanding the root cause of disease rather than just managing symptoms. I am well versed in chronic and long standing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, and diabetes. These cases often need patience and clarity, and I have learned that treatment only works when it is aligned with the patient’s body type, lifestyle, and diet. I regularly combine Ayurvedic therapies with personalized dietary guidance, because food habits play a major role in healing, even if patients sometimes overlook it. My approach to patient care is holistic and practical. I spend time understanding the history of illness, digestion, stress patterns, and daily routines. At times the progress is slow, and honestly that can be a bit frustrating, but consistent Ayurvedic treatment does bring stability when applied correctly. I believe Ayurveda works best when applied with depth, not shortcuts, and that belief guides my clinical decisions. I continue to deepen my understanding of Ayurvedic diagnostics and root cause treatment, and I try to keep my practice grounded, simple, and patient focused. I am not chasing perfection, just real improvement in health, one case at a time..
5
1 reviews
Dr. Manjula
I am an Ayurveda practitioner who’s honestly kind of obsessed with understanding what really caused someone’s illness—not just what hurts, but why it started in the first place. I work through Prakruti-Vikruti pareeksha, tongue analysis, lifestyle patterns, digestion history—little things most ppl skip over, but Ayurveda doesn’t. I look at the whole system and how it’s interacting with the world around it. Not just, like, “you have acidity, take this churna.” My main focus is on balancing doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—not in a copy-paste way, but in a very personalized, live-and-evolving format. Because sometimes someone looks like a Pitta imbalance but actually it's their aggravated Vata stirring it up... it’s layered. I use herbal medicine, ahar-vihar (diet + daily routine), lifestyle modifications and also just plain conversations with the patient to bring the mind and body back to a rhythm. When that happens—healing starts showing up, gradually but strongly. I work with chronic conditions, gut imbalances, seasonal allergies, emotional stress patterns, even people who just “don’t feel right” anymore but don’t have a name for it. Prevention is also a huge part of what I do—Ayurveda isn’t just for after you fall sick. Helping someone stay aligned, even when nothing feels urgent, is maybe the most powerful part of this science. My entire practice is rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts—Charaka, Sushruta, Ashtanga Hridayam—and I try to stay true to the system, but I also speak to people where they’re at. That means making the treatments doable in real life. No fancy lists of herbs no one can find. No shloka lectures unless someone wants them. Just real healing using real logic and intuition together. I care about precision in diagnosis. I don’t rush that part. I take time. Because one wrong assumption and you’re treating the shadow, not the source. And that’s what I try to avoid. My goal isn’t temporary relief—it’s to teach the body how to not need constant fixing. When someone walks away lighter, clearer, more in tune with their system—that’s the actual win.
5
285 reviews
Dr. Sumit Tasgaonkar
I am Dr. Sumit S. Tasgaonkar — a BAMS doc who also went on to complete MS in Ayurveda surgery, along with CGO and PGDEMS. Kinda feels like I’m always learning. And maybe that’s what keeps me grounded — balancing classical Ayurvedic wisdom with real-time medical emergencies or even modern diagnostic tools. I don’t see these systems as opposites... for me, they compliment each other when you look closely enough. My work mostly revolves around chronic diseases, metabolic issues, lifestyle mess (and there’s plenty of it these days), and women’s health conditions — PCOS, hormonal imbalance, gynec stuff that needs long-term attention. I use Panchakarma, herbal meds, diet correction, sometimes just shifting someone’s daily habits does more than we expect. But it’s never one-size-fits-all. I take a lot of time getting to the root cause — dosha imbalance, agni disturbance, whatever is underneath the visible stuff. Patients dealing with arthritis, stress, skin flareups, digestion trouble — I’ve seen all of that and more. And every case teaches something new. I’m super keen on tracking progress too. Like we keep tweaking, adjusting as per prakriti and vikriti, not just protocol-for-all. And honestly, the most satisfying part? when patients tell me they feel like themselves again. I started Tasgaonkar Medical Foundation with a big dream of bringing authentic Ayurveda to more people, esp. rural areas where choices are limited. We still keep prices fair and try not to compromise on classical principles. Accessibility doesn’t mean diluting the science — that’s always been important to me. What I really want is to see more people actually understand their health. Not just pop pills or mask symptoms. I wanna give them the tools — through knowledge, through food, through breath — to live lighter and healthier. And ya, sometimes it’s messy, sometimes you doubt, sometimes you adjust everything mid-plan... but that's Ayurveda too. Listening, observing, and flowing with the body, not against it.
5
8 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
707 reviews
Dr. Aparna Kumari
I am someone who honestly grew a lot during my time at Choudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan. Spent almost a full year working there—just one year, but felt like ten in terms of what I learned. The place is one of Asia's most respected Ayurvedic hospitals, and I got lucky getting that exposure so early. Worked under some seriously experienced doctors and expert faculty... like, they didn’t just teach, they lived Ayurveda, you know? Every day was full of clinical rounds, detailed case discussions, n watching complex therapies get carried out with this mix of tradition & precision. There’s something about learning in that kind of environment—it makes you rethink the way you observe even basic symptoms. I got to be involved in treatments for so many different conditions—digestive stuff, joint issues, skin disorders, neuro problems... and I’d say the biggest gain wasn’t just textbook learning, but knowing when not to rely on books. I picked up how to do proper Ayurvedic diagnosis using things like Nadi Pariksha, Prakriti analysis and real-time observation, which I know sounds obvious but trust me—doing it under pressure or with 5 patients waiting isn't the same as what you do during college viva. I messed up a few times, not gonna lie. But I was mentored closely and that helped a lot... Also learned how team-based care works in bigger institutions, which matters more than ppl admit. Sometimes your decision affects other therapists’ work or vice versa. All this helped shape how I now approach patient care—more aware, more grounded. Working there gave me this foundation I keep going back to, especially when I’m treating complex cases or making tough calls during Panchakarma planning. Looking back now, that year was short, but the learning curve—pretty steep and totally worth it.
0 reviews
Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
512 reviews
Dr. Sahana A N
I am a doctor who has worked as an intern in a Government hospital in Mysore, and that time shaped a lot of my basic clinical thinking. During that period I was exposed to many real life cases, from OPD work to emergency situations, and it helped me understand how different patients respond in real settings. I also spent time working in rural hospitals, where resources were limited but learning was deep and practical. Along with hospital work, I volunteered in many medical camps, where I got to interact with patients from different backgrounds and health conditions. These experiences taught me how important clear communication and patience really is. Sometimes things did not go as planned, but that is how learning happens. Working in these setups helped me build confidence, responsibility and a better understanding of patient care at ground level. I still carry those lessons with me in daily practice, and they continue to shape how I approach treatment and decision making.
0 reviews
Dr. Nayan Wale
I am working in medical field for total 7 years, out of which around 4 years was in hospital setup and 3 years in clinic practice. Hospital work gave me strong base, long duty hours, different type of cases, emergencies sometimes, and learning under pressure. Clinic work is different, slower but deeper, where I sit with patients, listen more, explain things again n again, and follow them over time. In hospital I handled day to day OPD cases, routine management, and also assisted seniors when things got complicated. That phase shaped my clinical thinking a lot, even now I sometimes catch myself thinking like hospital mode when a case looks serious. Clinic practice on the other hand taught me patience. Patients come with chronic issues, expectations, doubts, sometimes fear, and I had to adjust my approach accordingly. I focus on practical treatment planning, not just diagnosis on paper. Some days I feel I should have more time with each patient, but I try to balance it. My experience across hospital and clinic helps me understand both acute care and long term disease management. I still keep learning everyday, reading, observing patterns, correcting myself when needed, because medicine never stays same for long, and neither should the doctor.
5
1 reviews

Latest reviews

Teagan
22 minutes ago
Thanks! This cleared up my confusion. Wasn't sure about combining those meds. Appreciate the direct advice! 🙌
Thanks! This cleared up my confusion. Wasn't sure about combining those meds. Appreciate the direct advice! 🙌
Bella
23 minutes ago
Really appreicate the detailed response! Your advice was super helpful and gave me a clear path to follow. Thank you so much!
Really appreicate the detailed response! Your advice was super helpful and gave me a clear path to follow. Thank you so much!
Lila
1 hour ago
Thank you for the advice! I'm going to give these treatments a shot. Also, your tips about diet were helpful. Let's hope this finally works!
Thank you for the advice! I'm going to give these treatments a shot. Also, your tips about diet were helpful. Let's hope this finally works!
Bella
1 hour ago
Super helpful and clear advice! Really appreciated the detailed steps, feels much more hopeful now. Thanks for guiding me through this!
Super helpful and clear advice! Really appreciated the detailed steps, feels much more hopeful now. Thanks for guiding me through this!