Can traditional Chinese medicine provide conservative treatment for heart valve disease?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
If a patient's heart valve disease is in the early stage, without significant impact on cardiac structure and function, and without severe regurgitation or myocardial damage, conservative treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be considered. For example, using TCM formulas that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, invigorate Qi, and nourish the heart—such as Danshen Dripping Pills or Siwu Decoction—may help improve valve function and alleviate the condition.
It is generally believed that in the treatment of heart valve disease, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) conservative therapy can be used as an adjunctive approach for patients with mild conditions or for调理 (regulating the body) before and after surgery, but it cannot replace modern medical diagnosis and treatment protocols.
If a patient's heart valve disease is in the early stage, without affecting cardiac structure and function, and without significant valvular regurgitation or myocardial damage, TCM conservative treatment may be considered. For example, using TCM formulas with effects of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, invigorating qi, and nourishing the heart—such as Danshen Dripping Pills or Siwu Decoction—may help improve valve function and alleviate the condition.
For moderate to severe heart valve disease, especially in patients with obvious symptoms or already developed cardiac dysfunction, relying solely on TCM conservative treatment may fail to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes and could even delay proper management. In such cases, patients should follow the guidance of cardiovascular specialists and may require surgical interventions such as valve repair or replacement.
At the same time, while undergoing TCM treatment, patients should also incorporate daily lifestyle adjustments to avoid interfering with the treatment efficacy.
