With reduced mitral valve opening size and an ejection fraction of 44% concern for your wife’s heart health is valid. Ayurveda, emphasizes restoring balance in the doshas particularly Vata and Pitta, which are linked to heart and circulatory health. It’s vital to continue regular monitoring and treatment with your cardiologist, especially given past BVM at AIIMS.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, focus on supporting heart function through diet and lifestyle. A heart-friendly diet including foods that are sattvic—such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts—can aid in maintaining cardiac health. Emphasize ghee and turmeric, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Ensure you prepare meals with less salt and avoid processed foods to help manage swelling and blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes are key. Encourage your wife to engage in gentle exercises such as walking or yoga that support circulation and keep stress levels manageable. Pranayama breathing techniques can aid in improving oxygenation and heart function; these can be a gentle yet effective way to strengthen the lungs and relieve breathlessness.
Incorporating herbal support can also be helpful. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is renowned in Ayurveda for supporting cardiac health. She could take it as a supplement but after consulting with a healthcare professional, ensuring it’s safe with her existing medical regimen.
Remember, it’s imperative not to replace prescribed medication with herbal treatments without doctor’s advice. The combination of modern cardiology and Ayurveda can provide a comprehensive approach to managing heart health. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers, including necessary diagnostic tests like an echocardiogram if advised, is crucial to managing the condition effectively.
Based on the condition you described, it looks like your wife is dealing with a reduced mitral valve opening and possibly issues related to the heart’s ejection fraction (EF). It’s important to primarily consult with a cardiologist for precise diagnosis and treatment plan, as heart valve issues can be significant and time-sensitive. Meanwhile, integrating some supportive Siddha-Ayurvedic approaches can be beneficial in managing overall health.
Mitral valve concerns often link to an imbalance in Vata and Kapha doshas, affecting circulation and fluid accumulation. Addressing this imbalance through diet and lifestyle can support your wife’s condition. Focus on a Kapha-Vata pacifying diet: warm, light meals, avoiding cold and heavy foods that can aggravate Kapha and Vata. Freshly prepared meals with spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger can be beneficial to help improve Agni, or digestive fire.
Encourage gentle breathing exercises (Pranayama) to improve lung capacity and circulation, but only as advised by a doctor, ensuring they are safe for her current condition. Regular, gentle walks can also improve circulation without straining the heart.
A daily routine that includes conscious rest and relaxation can help balance Vata, but any herbal supplements or therapies should be carefully considered under the guidance of an Ayurvedic specialist familiar with her current health details, particularly with the heart’s status in mind. Regular follow-ups with her healthcare providers are crucial, to monitor heart health and adjust care as needed.
