TAKAYASU’S ARTERITIS AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION

Takayasu's arteritis is a rare type of disorder in which there occurs inflammation of the blood vessels. It is also known as pulseless disease. In this, bigger arteries of body are affected such as aorta. Aorta is the biggest artery of body and it carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. There are several branches of aorta which also get inflamed. Inflammation of the arteries causes damage to the lining making them weaker and thin. It leads to aneurysm. The arteries get narrow and can get completely blocked. The arteries which supply blood to the neck, arms and brain are most commonly involved. However, arteries that provide blood supply to the legs, kidneys, intestines and heart are commonly involved. Pain in arm or chest and high blood pressure are some of the common symptoms of takayasu arteritis. In some cases, there are no symptoms and thus there is no requirement of treatment. But with medications, the symptoms can be controlled and further complications can be prevented.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS?

The exact cause of Takayasu's arteritis is not known but it may be an autoimmune disorder. The cells of immune system protect the body from infection due to foreign micro-organisms. But due to some abnormality, the cells of immune system start attacking body's own cells and thus cause inflammation of the walls of arteries. It leads to narrowing of the lumen of arteries and later on blockage. There also occurs thickening and scarring of the arterial wall.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS?

Some of the factors which increase the risk of a person developing Takayasu's arteritis are:

Females are more prone as compared to malesPeople between the age group of 20 to 40 yearsHaving a family history of Takayasu's arteritis

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS?

The common signs and symptoms of Takayasu's arteritis are:

Chest painShortness of breathFeeling tiredFeverLow appetitePain in musclesJoint painHeadacheLight-headednessHigh blood pressureUnexplained weight lossDifficulty in concentrationFaintingLoose stoolsPresence of blood in stoolsAnemiaPain in abdomen due to decreased blood flow to the intestinesStrokeHeart attack

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS?

Following are the complications which are associated with Takayasu's arteritis:

Inflammation of the heart muscles and valvesHardening of blood vesselsNarrowing of lumen of blood vesselsHypertensionTransient ischemic attackAneurysm in aorta

HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS IS DONE?

The doctor will do a physical examination of the patient. He will ask patient about the symptoms. He will take his family history. He will suggest some of the tests to the patients to evaluate the disease:

UltrasoundAngiographyMRICT scanPositron emission tomography

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE'S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of Takayasu's arteritis:

1. Trikatu Syrup

Trikatu Syrup helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps to take out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This syrup is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body. The regular use of this syrup balances the thyroxine hormone and treats hyperthyroidism naturally. It is an Appetizer and it improves digestion, supports normal gastric function, and normal circulation.

Recommended Dosage - Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily before meals.

2. Kapha Balance Tablet

Kapha tablet is a healthy blend of herbs formulated to balance Kapha doshas without aggravating Pitta and Vata doshas. It can also be used to alleviate any temporary Kapha imbalance. It is very effective in Kapha season that is late winter and spring. It consists of warming and astringent herbs that help to balance the system throughout the cold season. The main use of Kapha tablets is to remove excess Kapha doshas from the system and helps in the management of weight, healthy lungs, and the immune system.

Recommended Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

3. Heart Up Tablet

Heart Up Tablet is a unique formulation and is very effective in the treatment of heart diseases and related symptoms. It acts as a cardioprotective and anti-arrhythmic medicine providing strength to the heart muscles and maintains heart rate. This medicine is very useful in relieving pain and maintains blood optimum viscosity.

Recommended Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

4. Nerve up tablet

Nerve up tablets help in balancing the vata doshas kapha dosha, and acts as nervine stimulant. It shows effective results in improving the central nervous system. It contains natural ingredients like shudha kuchala, shudha shilajeet, praval pishti, shankh bhasma etc. This tablet helps in memory boosting, reduces stress, act as immune-modulator. It also shows effective results in disorders of heart and circulatory system.
Recommended Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Active Plus Tablet

Active plus Tablet is a pure herbo-mineral formulation prepared from best quality of herbs. This tablet is best for person mental and physical health, also helps to boost up the immunity. The herbal ingredients present in these tablets are used to maintain person's health and refreshes the mind and body. These tablets improves digestion, eliminates constipation, stress, nourishes brain, acts as antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, etc.

Recommended Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily.