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Could Change In Heart Medication Lead To Heart Failure, Stroke, Arrhythmia Or Pulmonary Emboli?

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Posted on Thu, 20 Jan 2022
Question: Hello everyone.

I'm in a big dilemma now, as I've had a tissue replacement mitral heart valve, through minimally invasive surgery in London. However, since this was performed, just over 8 weeks ago, I had 2 double vision episodes and the side of my face dropped one evening.

I'm very tall (193cm) and yet now bordering underweight (95.5kg down to 77kg now. Though just before the op due to my ketogenic diet, was an ideal 84.5kg), since I lost weight post op. So the double vision issue AND loss of weight raised suspicions, so on a follow-up appointment as an outpatient, they kept me in my local hospital (Southampton) for a whole week while various tests were carried out.

The bad news is that I HAD (as in past, so now no longer) an infection in the mitral valve. But the inflammatory markers have now dropped from 70, down to 12, and so they are happy the infection is now gone, and I've been discharged.

However, my concern is that I'm STILL not putting on any weight despite a good appetite and healthy eating etc. I also walk briskly for 20-30mins daily to help with strengthening the heart. BUT I can feel discomfort and become breathless more so the prior to surgery (even though my mitral valve was leaking about 60%, so only 40% of my blood was in fact circulating). I was 'scared' into having an operation when they said I could easily have a heart attack or stroke at any time - despite me having been VERY (apparently) fit and healthy. I had been playing badminton twice a week until I was admitted for my op. I have play a couple of games since too. BUT I can feel I don't have anywhere NEAR the strength and stamina I had pre-op.

In order to help my heart they've prescribed Warfarin, ACE inhibitors AND Beta blockers!!!!! HELP!!!! THIS is what concerns me, as I know they are NOT good to take, especially long term.

I used to take 8 supplements daily (CoQ10 Ubiquinol, turmeric, vitamin D & K, fermented chlorella, hawthorn extract, vitamin C, magnesium oil that I apply daily, topically, and vitamin B12) and felt very fit and well. I ALSO took gingko biloba (thins the blood AND increases blood flow to the brain, and helps efficient working of the brain).

But additionally I have cracked chia seeds (calcium), cinnamon (medical grade), maca root powder, ginger (to help increase circulation and thin the blood), inulin (to reduce visceral fat), and cut down on wheat and gluten intake (I'd make my own organic muesli).

I also have a very healthy salad each day: organic virgin olive oil, organic balsamic vinegar, rocket, radish, red onions, black garlic, tempeh, beetroot (widens blood vessels), cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and a freshly-crushed garlic clove (which if you eat within the hour, still has 'allicin' the blood-thinning component) a little Himalayan salt, bell peppers, chicken, carrot, water cress, mint and egg, and it's very tasty!

I consume a ketogenic diet (so fat for fuel, not sugar/carbs as much) but my blood count shows I'm slightly anaemic so I am now about to eat liver, as it's good for iron and red blood cells etc.

My question to you guys, is because of all the surgery I've had, and the nasty manmade prescription drugs, can I in any way be weaned OFF them, and to rely on those supplements I've mentioned, OR any other treatment suggestions. Ayuvedic medicine seems to offer a lot, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!!!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Munish Sood (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Further necessary information

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I'm of the following opinion:

1. because problem with mitral infection may lead to heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, and pulmonary emboli thus under no circumstances you should stop/change/or reduce the dose of your prescription(s), without first consulting your attending Physician.

2. You should first check with your attending physician/cardiologist before starting/undertaking any exercise program as he can advise you specifically based on your health/heart condition to increase exercise tolerance and reduce risk for symptoms and prevent complications ( if any).

3. because it is a mechanical (valvular) problem thus modern approach is what is required, however, the Ayurvedic medicine(s) which are useful in this clinical condition act upon the heart muscle as well as the tendons connecting the heart muscles to the valves thus improving the overall pumping action of the heart improves to such an extent that the major clinical symptoms of the affected individual can be controlled very well.

PS. It should be thus an informed discussion between your attending doctor and Ayurveda Physician for any drug interaction between the two XXXXXXX (in case you want to proceed further).

Dr. Munish Sood
Consultant Physician
Naimittika

direct online link: bit.ly/drmunishsood
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Munish Sood (44 hours later)
Dear oh dear, I've just written up a response, but it seems to have disappeared!

Dear Dr Sood

Thank you for your reply. I fully understand why you recommend NOT to come off my current medication, as otherwise you might leave yourself open if something were to go wrong as a result of advising me in that regard.

However, I'm slightly confused, as you say 'because it is a mechanical (valvular) problem thus a modern approach is required' and then go on to explain about the 'muscles and tendons'.... etc makes it sound like something CAN be done, especially when you go on to say '.....thus improving the overall pumping action of the heart improves to such an extent that the major clinical symptoms of the affected individual can be controlled very well.' So can something be done? It seems unclear at this stage.

This is further compounded when you say '...it should be an informed discussion between your attending doctor and Ayurveda Physician for any drug interaction between the two pathy ' (not sure what 'pathy' means in this context? Unless you mean 'paths'? In any case can you kindly let me know of any Ayurvedic practitioners who work WITH physicians in the UK, please. You must know, or have a list of such doctors?

Thank you in advance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Munish Sood (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
further necessary details and plan of action

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

1. Mechanical problem is said with respect to the pathology, i.e. VALVE which means that because valves in our body are mechanical structures [which means they have to be replaced and not repaired] thus you have to continue with the modern approach i.e. with medicines till your Doctor is of the opinion that now one has to go either for valvuloplasty or valvotomy.

PS. remember medical treatment is given as Prophylaxis and valve replacement by prosthesis for a permanent remedy.

2. As muscles and tendons are an integral part of the main structure thus can be repaired [which means with medicines they can be strengthened] and so is the reason of explanation of improving pumping action and controlling the symptoms.

PS. Remember with progressive symptomatic deterioration in spite of medical treatment valvotomy is the choice.

3.     By – pathy means the system of the medicine: i.e it can be alloPATHY, homeoPATHY or any Alternative system of Medicine, thus this means that whatever system of medicine you do choose it should be in the knowledge of your Attending physician, I personally doesn’t know any practicing Physician in the UK, but I do courier result oriented Ayurveda medicine(s) to my patient in South Woodford for detoxification and improving the cardiac muscle function. If interested I can courier you the same.

Dr. Munish
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Munish Sood (3 days later)
Dear Dr Munish

Thank you for your reply, but valvuloplasty versus valvotomy is slightly unclear to me. I’m naturally not versed in medical terms, but more laymen term – as if that’s not obvious already.


Also, had I opted for a mechanical valve it would be permanent, whereas I opted for tissue, in which case it’s not permanent and they say will last for +/- 13-15yrs, or longer.

However, my issue is with the leakage, both around the stitching as well as the leaflets not closing properly (one of them at any rate).

So I’m looking for an ‘alternative’ medicine strategy to improve things, assuming they aren’t going to operate to rectify things (which I understand is ‘risky’ at this early stage of recovery).

Can you kindly let me know what the cost of couriering some medicine for detox and improving cardiac function, please?

Thank you in advance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Munish Sood (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
further approach

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

1. Although there is not much difference between the terms, still

. Valvuloplasty: means surgical repair
. Valvotomy: means surgical cutting, so again it will depend upon your attending Physician to choose the best option/management plan for you.

PS. As the problem is with leaking and valves not closing properly, thus valvuloplasty could be the choice.

2. Since you are looking for an alternative system of Medicine along with your current medications, thus following is my line of treatment [the said herbal drugs won’t be interacting with your modern medicines]

i. Medicine containing Amla, Aloe Vera, along with different antioxidants to manage the oxidative stress.

ii. Medicine to help improve the microcirculation of the blood and for heart functions [containing Arjuna, Pushkarmoola, and fenugreek]

Cost: of medicine for oxidative stress: 6000/- for 1 month
Cost: of medicine for improving microcirculation: 1300/- for 1 month

PS. final amount can only be told when you have ordered the medicine since only then we can weigh the medicine and according to weight + volume and the Address, they will let us know about the amount. [I courier through IPS: XXXXXXX postal service, which usually takes 3-5 days to deliver]

Dr. Munish

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Munish Sood (23 hours later)
Thank you. I will discuss and think it over with my wife.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Munish Sood (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hoping to hear from you soon

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I'll wait to address you further/future concern(s).

Dr. Munish
Note: Deal with your health issues naturally by getting closer to Ayurveda. click here to learn more.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Munish Sood

Ayurveda Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3694 Questions

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Could Change In Heart Medication Lead To Heart Failure, Stroke, Arrhythmia Or Pulmonary Emboli?

Brief Answer: Further necessary information Detailed Answer: Hi, I'm of the following opinion: 1. because problem with mitral infection may lead to heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, and pulmonary emboli thus under no circumstances you should stop/change/or reduce the dose of your prescription(s), without first consulting your attending Physician. 2. You should first check with your attending physician/cardiologist before starting/undertaking any exercise program as he can advise you specifically based on your health/heart condition to increase exercise tolerance and reduce risk for symptoms and prevent complications ( if any). 3. because it is a mechanical (valvular) problem thus modern approach is what is required, however, the Ayurvedic medicine(s) which are useful in this clinical condition act upon the heart muscle as well as the tendons connecting the heart muscles to the valves thus improving the overall pumping action of the heart improves to such an extent that the major clinical symptoms of the affected individual can be controlled very well. PS. It should be thus an informed discussion between your attending doctor and Ayurveda Physician for any drug interaction between the two XXXXXXX (in case you want to proceed further). Dr. Munish Sood Consultant Physician Naimittika direct online link: bit.ly/drmunishsood