Congenital heart disease is a condition or group of conditions with the structure of the heart that exists from birth. Congenital it-self means that a person is born with that condition. Some conditions can be mild, while some can be complex and can be life threatening. The symptoms of these conditions are- irregular heartbeats, blue skin, lips and fingernails; shortness of breath, swelling in body tissues or organs, fatigues, etc.
‘Douhruda Apacharaja Vyadhis’ is the term for congenital heart disease in ayurvedic text. It is manifested due to imbalance in Vata dosha, as Vata dosha is responsible for all garbha vikrutis. This vitiation affects the heart walls, the heart valves, and the blood vessels. It is categorized under hirdaya roga of ayurveda that links with the defects of heart.
Thus, the treatment of congenital heart disease focuses on balancing the vitiated doshas and elimination of toxins from the body. The treatment includes- Santharpana chikitsa and Apatharpana chikitsa. Santharpana chikitsa is for the vatika hridaya rogas in nirama stage. In this case the dhatwagni and jatargni are vitiated; so, brumhana chikitsa is done to boost metabolism. Along with the treatment, there is an association of medicinal herbs that help to ease the hridaya vikara. The herbs like balajeeraka kwatha, sthira ksheera kwatha, abhyanga with dhanwantara thailam, etc are used. A proper diet and exercise regimen are also recommended to pacify the effects of vitiated doshas and stop further accumulation of ama, which might lead to complications. Thus, this line of treatment helps relieve the symptoms in a holistic way.
Risk factors of congenital heart disease
- Genetics: Congenital cardiac disease appears to be hereditary (inherited). It is linked to a variety of genetic disorders. Children with Down syndrome, for example, frequently have congenital cardiac problems. While a kid is still in the mother’s womb, genetic testing can discover Down syndrome and other genetic disorders.
- Measles (rubella): Rubella infection during pregnancy may have an impact on how the baby’s heart grows while in the womb.
- Diabetes: Type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy may potentially have an impact on a baby’s heart development. In general, gestational diabetes does not raise the risk of congenital cardiac disease.
- Medications: Certain drugs can cause congenital heart disease and other birth abnormalities if used while pregnant. Lithium for bipolar illness and isotretinoin (Claravis, Myorisan, and others) for acne treatment have both been related to heart abnormalities. Always inform your doctor about any drugs you are taking.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption while pregnant has been related to an increased risk of cardiac abnormalities in the child.
- Smoking: Quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking during pregnancy raises the baby’s chance of congenital cardiac abnormalities.
Complications
- Heartbeat irregularities (arrhythmias): Faulty heart signaling causes the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or in an irregular rhythm. Severe arrhythmias in certain persons can lead to stroke or abrupt cardiac death if not managed. Scar tissue from past procedures in the heart might lead to this problem.
- Infection of the heart (endocarditis): Bacteria and other pathogens can enter the circulation and go to the heart’s inner lining (endocardium). If left untreated, this infection can cause heart valve damage or destruction, as well as a stroke. If you are at high risk of endocarditis, your doctor may advise you to take antibiotics one hour before dental cleanings. Regular dental examinations are essential. Healthy gums and teeth lower the likelihood of germs entering the circulation.
- Stroke: A congenital cardiac defect can allow a blood clot to pass through the heart and into the brain, reducing or blocking blood circulation.
- High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Some congenital cardiac abnormalities cause an increase in blood flow to the lungs, resulting in increased pressure. This causes the cardiac muscle to weaken and, in some cases, fail.
- Heart failure: Heart failure (congestive heart failure) occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to fulfil the demands of the body.
Ayurveda for congenital heart disease
‘Douhruda apacharaja vyadhis’ is the term for congenital heart disease in ayurvedic text. It is manifested due to imbalance in Vata dosha, as Vata dosha is responsible for all garbha vikrutis. This vitiation affects the heart walls, the heart valves, and the blood vessels. It is categorized under hirdaya roga of ayurveda that links with the defects of heart.
Thus, the treatment of congenital heart disease focuses on balancing the vitiated doshas and elimination of toxins from the body. The treatment includes- Santharpana chikitsa and Apatharpana chikitsa. Santharpana chikitsa is for the vatika hridaya rogas in nirama stage. In this case the dhatwagni and jatargni are vitiated; so, brumhana chikitsa is done to boost metabolism. Along with the treatment, there is an association of medicinal herbs that help to ease the hridaya vikara. The herbs like balajeeraka kwatha, sthira ksheera kwatha, abhyanga with dhanwantara thailam, etc are used. A proper diet and exercise regimen are also recommended to pacify the effects of vitiated doshas and stop further accumulation of ama, which might lead to complications. Thus, this line of treatment helps relieve the symptoms in a holistic way.
