Heart Failureaccording to TCM

What is heart failure?

Heart failure, a complex clinical syndrome, occurs when the heart cannot pump blood sufficiently to meet the body's needs. It can involve either or both sides of the heart and is typically a result of underlying conditions that have damaged or overworked the heart muscle, such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. Symptoms vary but commonly include breathlessness, persistent coughing, swelling in the limbs, and fatigue. Heart failure can be a chronic condition or a sudden, acute crisis, demanding prompt medical intervention to manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

How does TCM view heart failure?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives heart failure not just as a singular condition but as a symptom of broader systemic imbalances. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying distinct patterns of disharmony that describe the specific nature of the imbalance in each patient.

This concept of patterns is fundamental, as it shapes the customized treatment strategies in TCM. Therapies are aimed at correcting the unique disharmonies affecting the individual, rather than merely treating the generalized symptoms of heart failure.

Causes of heart failure according to TCM

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), heart failure is often linked to Deficiencies and imbalances within the Heart energy. Notably, Heart Yang Collapsing—a severe Deficiency where the body’s warming energy fails dramatically—can manifest symptoms typical of heart failure, such as profound weakness, cold extremities, and a pale complexion.

Another significant pattern, Heart Qi Deficiency, involves a weakening of the Heart’s energy, leading to shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue. These patterns highlight the critical nature of identifying specific energetic imbalances to tailor treatment effectively.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Heart Failure

In addressing the delicate complexities of heart failure, TCM turns to specific formulas aimed at restoring energetic balance and enhancing cardiac function. For Heart Yang Collapsing, a critical and acute state, Shen Fu Tang is preferred. This formula uses Ginseng to potentiate the heart’s Yang energy, thus revitalizing the body's essential warmth and circulatory functions.

Meanwhile, conditions such as Heart Blood Deficiency and Heart Qi Deficiency benefit from Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 1, which incorporates Biota seeds to nourish the Heart, supplement Qi, and stabilize the spirit. These targeted formulas are central to TCM’s approach, focusing on the underlying patterns of disharmony to holistically manage heart failure.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address heart failure, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Heart Failure

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address heart failure, organized by herb category.