Impact of Ayurveda-based lifestyle modification, diet, and panchakarma on the hemodynamic parameters in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract

Abstract Background: Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a medical problem with a growing prevalence that requires sophisticated management techniques. New management strategies for HF have constantly been called for by researchers, which has drawn our attention to Ayurveda, the traditional alternative medicine practiced extensively in India. One such treatment used to treat heart failure is Heart Failure Reversal Therapy (HFRT), which combines herbal therapies including Snehan, Swedan, Basti (per rectal drug administration), and Hridaydhara. Objective: The study is aimed to evaluate the effects of HFRT and Ayurveda Dinacharya on known chronic HFpEF patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted between May 2021 and October 2021, wherein patients (both genders) with HF (New York Heart Association, NYHA Class I, II, and III) having a left ventricular ejection fraction of more than 40 and aged between 18 and 60 years were identified. The effect of study therapy, HFRT, and Ayurveda Dinacharya over 7 days in 14 sittings was observed. A total of 73 patients with HFpEF underwent study therapy for 7 days. Data related to patient demographics on Cardiac Output (CO), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Heart Rate (HR), Left Ventricular (LV), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR), Systolic (SYS), End-diastolic volume (EDV), Ejection factor (EF), etc. were analyzed pre- and post-study. Results: There was a remarkable improvement in the mean values of SVR from day 1 to day 7. The mean value of SVR on day 1 was 2271.39 ± 509.66, and on day 7 was 1876.18 ± 315.21. Reduced SVR values mean the amount of LV force needed to open the aortic valve is also reduced. This causes more efficient pumping action in the left ventricle, reflected by increased CO and increased VO2 max, thus improving the quality of life. Conclusion: The HFRT therapy and Ayurveda Dinacharya for seven days demonstrated a significant change in the hemodynamics of HFpEF patients, thus improving the quality of life.