Heart Failureaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cardiac Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Heart Failure
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.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that rescue devastated yang
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Formulas that rescue devastated Yang
Heart failure 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 Shen Fu Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that rescue devastated yang" recommended for heart failure
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Shen Fu Tang | Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
| Si Ni Tang | Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Heart failure 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.
TCM Herbs for Heart Failure
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address heart failure, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Heart failure 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 failure, like Shen Fu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for heart failure
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Shen Fu Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan |
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Heart failure 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 failure, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Heart failure 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 failure, like Si Ni Tang.