Abstract
Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major health issue despite of the available medications. Heart failure reversal therapy (HFRT), a combination of herbal treatment and allied therapies, has been advocated by Ayurveda physicians as an add-on therapy for CHF.

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of HFRT on Maximum Aerobic Capacity (MAC), blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI) and dependency on conventional therapy in CHF Patients.

Materials & Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted in July 2017, wherein the data of CHF patients (New York Heart Association, NYHA Class I–IV) who attended out-patient departments (OPDs) at Madhavbaug clinics in Maharashtra, India were identified. Data of patients who were administered HFRT (60-75 minutes) with minimum 7 sittings over 90 days (± 15 days) were considered. Variables were compared between day 1 and day 90 of HFRT.

Observations and Results: Out of 79 patients included, 39 were males while 40 females. HFRT showed significant improvement in MAC by 50.35% (from 18.60(±7.01) to 27.97(±7.98), p<0.01) with maximum improvement in NYHA Grade IV patients (n=14) [change by 145.90% (from 7.46 to 18.36, p<0.01)]. BMI [27.78(±5.50) kg/m2 to 26.61(±4.84) kg/m2], systolic and diastolic blood pressure [134.4(±17.2) mm Hg to 122.5(±9.74) mm Hg and 82.75 (±7.13) mm Hg to 77.97(±10.73) mm Hg, (p<0.01) respectively] showed significant reductions. Dependency on concomitant medicines was reduced, with number of patients on no concomitant medicines increasing from 19% to 42%.

Conclusion: HFRT can be an effective option for management of CHF patients, along with conventional allopathic medications.

Key words: Alternative medicine, Chronic heart failure, Heart failure reversal therapy, Maximum aerobic capacity, Panchakarma