Infective Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. It occurs when bacteria or fungi from another part of the body such as mouth spread through the bloodstream and attached to the damaged areas of the heart. This condition should be treated quickly as it may destroy the valves of the heart and can lead to life-threatening complications.
It may develop suddenly or slowly depending upon the type of bacteria or fungi that are causing infection and also depends on any underlying heart problem.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS?
The signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis may vary from person to person.
Common Signs And Symptoms Are:-
- There is flu like symptoms such as chills and fever.
- Fatigue
- Aching in muscles and joints
- Change in a heart murmur, which is the heart sounds made by blood rushing through the heart.
- Chest pain while breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs, feet or abdomen
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS?
Usually the immune system destroys the harmful bacteria that enter into the bloodstream. Even if bacteria reach the heart, it may pass through without causing any infection. But, sometimes bacteria that live in mouth, throat, gut, skin can cause serious infections such as endocarditis. They can enter the blood stream through:
- Medical conditions such as gum disease, sexually transmitted infection, inflammatory bowel disease, skin sore etc. can give an opportunity to enter the blood stream.
- Certain dental procedures that can cut the gums may allow the bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
- Every day oral activities such as brushing teeth, bleeding from the gums allow the bacteria to enter the bloodstream especially when the teeth and gums are not healthy.
- Use of contaminated needles and syringes is also the cause of concern for people who use intravenous (IV) drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
- People with faulty, damaged or diseased valves are more likely to develop infective endocarditis.
- If the endocardium (lining of the heart) is rough, then bacteria can more easily attach to the lining of the heart.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA?
Master Charak has described that due to the intake of ushna, tikshana, kshara, vidahi, amal, lavan ras, alcoholic beverages, spicy and oily foods, there is a vitiation of Pitta dosha. The vitiated Pitta dosha ultimately causes Raktadushti. Due to this, there are symptoms such as fever, excessive thirst, heartburn, giddiness, burning sensation, perspiration etc. all over the body. It is known as Pittaj Hridroga in Ayurveda.
We can co-relate this condition with infective endocarditis and other inflammatory conditions of the heart.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The diagnosis of infective endocarditis is done on the basis of the medical history of the patient and several tests that include blood tests, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray of the chest etc.
Modern medicine prescribes antibiotics for this condition. Sometimes, surgery is also recommended to fix the damaged heart valves and to clean up any remaining signs of the infection.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENT IN INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS?
Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies which are effective in repairing the damaged heart valves and therefore reduces the chances of infection.
Herbal Remedies For Infective Endocarditis By Planet Ayurveda Include:-
- Total Heart Support Capsules
- Kaishore Guggul
- Arjuna Capsules
- Brahmi Capsules
Herbal Remedies For Infective Endocarditis
1. Total Heart Support
The prime ingredient of total heart support capsules is arjuna along with the extracts of other herbs. These capsules improve the overall heart functions and balance the disturbed Vata and Pitta dosha.
Ingredients Of Total Heart Support Capsules Are:-
Sr. No. | Herb Used | Botanical Name | Quantity |
1. | Arjuna | Terminalia arjuna | 200 mg |
2. | Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera | 100 mg |
3. | Brahmi | Bacopa monnieri | 100 mg |
4. | Shankhpushpi | Convolvulus pluricaulis | 100 mg |
Dose: Take 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Kaishore Guggul
Kaishore Guggul is an Ayurvedic guggul formulation useful in inflammatory conditions, blood infections etc. It has anti-biotic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it a good remedy for treating infections. Therefore, these tablets are quite useful in the treatment of infective endocarditis.
Dose: Take 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
3. Arjuna Capsules
Planet Ayurveda's Arjun Capsules are prepared using the standardized extract of the bark of Terminalia arjuna tree. This tree is a blessing to mankind due its role in cardiovascular disorders. The bark of arjuna reduces ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), improves E/A ratio and reduces anginal frequency. It makes the heart muscles stronger and as a result, heart can pump better.
Dose: Take 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
Reference: Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Vatadi Varg, Shlok No. 27
Meaning: According to this shloka, arjuna herb is astringent in taste with cool potency. It is a boon for heart disorders. It is used to heal injuries, improves general weakness and works as an antidote. It is also useful in blood and lymph disorders, diabetes or wounds related to diabetes. It pacifies kapha and pitta doshas.
4. Brahmi Capsules
Planet Ayurveda's Brahmi Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri. Mostly, arjuna is combined with brahmi for heart disorders as it acts as a heart tonic and reduces the day to day stress on the brain, heart and overall health. Therefore, these capsules act as adaptogen. It is also useful in high blood pressure and improve the heart's health.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily after taking meals.
These Ayurvedic preparations are helpful in treating, preventing and relieving the symptoms and protecting the valves from further damage.
HOW TO PREVENT INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS?
- Seek medical help if there are symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, fever that won't go away.
- If there is any skin infection, cuts or open sores that don't heal properly, take medical advice.
- Avoid procedures that lead to skin infections such as tattoos, body piercing etc.
- Go for regular dental check-ups and pay special attention to dental health such as brushing and flossing the teeth and gums often.
DIET
- Eliminate foods that cause allergies such as wheat (gluten), soy, preservatives, chemical food additives etc.
- Include foods that are rich in B-vitamins and iron such as dark leafy greens.
- Reduce the intake of trans fatty acids found in baked items, cookies, cakes etc.
- Avoid refined foods such as white bread, pasta, white sugar etc.
- Take Vitamin C rich fruits such as amla, oranges etc. as it helps in reducing inflammation, acts as immune support and acts as anti-oxidant.
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