Clinical evaluation of an Indigenous Compound drug in Hridroga with special reference to Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Abstract

Ventricular dysfunction is a state where an adequate cardiac output cannot be maintained even with support of compensatory mechanisms. Left sided dysfunction gives rise to inadequate systemic circulation and congestion of the lungs manifesting as tachycardia, muffled heart sound, gallop rhythm, tachypnea, cough, breathlessness & enlargement of the heart and ultimately leads to cardiac failure. Present study comprehends the selection of patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and trial of an Ayurvedic formulation coded as Cardi-16 for its efficacy to combat the disorder in comparison with Digitalis lanata Ehrh. A total of 24 patients of LVD were selected for the study who were randomly divided into three groups with one group being treated with Cardi-16, second with Digitalis lanata Ehrh. and third with combined therapy. 20 patients (8 in group I, 6 in group II and 6 in Group III) completed the course of treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured to assess the effect of therapy. The effect of treatment on chief complaints and symptoms was also evaluated. Both the treatments were found effective in relieving symptoms and increasing ejection fraction but the results were more pronounced in the groups in which Cardi 16 was given.