Heart Attackaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cardiac Disorders
Parent symptom: Heart Attack
What is Heart Attack?
A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, occurs when the flow of blood to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough period to cause damage or death to the heart muscle. Typically resulting from coronary artery disease, which sees the heart's arteries narrowed by plaque, a heart attack can manifest through symptoms like chest pain, nausea, and an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Rapid treatment is critical to reopen the blocked artery and minimize the extent of cardiac injury, helping to preserve the heart's function and the patient's life.
How does TCM view Heart Attack?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives a heart attack not simply as a blockage of a coronary artery but as a severe imbalance in the body’s fundamental energies. According to TCM, the heart's health is linked to the state of the Qi (vital energy) and Blood (nutritive essence), and their flow through channels that sustain life. Recognizing the specific disharmony—whether it involves Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis, or Yin-Yang imbalance—is crucial. This diagnostic process determines the therapeutic approach aimed at restoring balance, thus treating the heart attack by addressing deeper systemic issues.
Causes of heart attack according to TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views heart attacks as consequences of distinct imbalances, specifically targeting vital energy systems. Many patterns are associated with heart attacks such as Collapse of Yang, Heart Blood or Qi Deficiency or Blood Stagnation.
Collapse of Yang reflects a severe energy depletion that can critically affect cardiac function. Heart Blood Deficiency and Heart Qi Deficiency involve insufficient nourishment and energy for the heart, respectively, which can lead to weakened cardiac functions and susceptibility to illness. Blood Stagnation, concerning the improper flow of blood, directly threatens heart health by obstructing the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Heart Attack
To address the complex patterns identified in heart attack cases, TCM employs specific formulas: For Collapse of Yang and Heart Yang Collapsing, which indicate a severe drop in vital warmth and activity, treatments like Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang with Prepared Aconite and Shen Fu Tang with Ginseng are essential to restore Yang energy.
In cases of Heart Blood Deficiency and Heart Qi Deficiency, Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 1, containing Biota Seeds, is used to nourish the heart and stabilize its energy. Additionally, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang with Peach Kernels is recommended for Blood Stagnation, aiming to enhance blood flow and clear blockages in the circulatory system. These formulas are chosen based on their ability to target and mitigate the specific energetic disruptions associated with heart attacks, illustrating TCM’s holistic and tailored approach to treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address heart attack, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that rescue devastated yang
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that tonify qi
Formulas that rescue devastated Yang
Heart attack can be treated by these formulas if it is a result of a severe depletion or collapse of Yang energy, requiring urgent restoration and warming actions.
One such formula is Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that rescue devastated yang" recommended for heart attack
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang | Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) |
| Shen Fu Tang | Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Heart attack can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan, with biota seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Heart attack can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Heart attack can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Sheng Mai San, with ginseng as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Heart Attack
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address heart attack, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Heart attack can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heart attack, like Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for heart attack
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang |
| Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) | Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Heart attack can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heart attack, like Shen Fu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for heart attack
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Shen Fu Tang | Sheng Mai San |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan |
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Heart attack can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heart attack, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Heart attack can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heart attack, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Heart attack can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for heart attack, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.