Effect of Abana on ventricular function in ischemic heart disease

Mechanocardiography has been in use to evaluate ventricular function and the cardiac effect of drugs. Twenty-five patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and 25 patients with IHD and mild hypertension (HTN) were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo controlled study of Abana. Half the patients in each group received Abana--a formulation based on Ayurvedic principles--and the other half received a placebo in a randomized manner. The effect of Abana was evaluated by means of LV apex cardiogram (ACG), phonocardiogram and carotid pulse tracing and ECG (mechanocardiography) before and at the end of 8 weeks of treatment. As compared to placebo, Abana significantly reduced the frequency and severity of anginal episodes, as judged by clinical improvement and nitrate consumption. Significant improvement in ventricular function was observed as reflected by a decrease in ACG A amplitude and A wave duration, along with a significant increase in LV ejection fraction and VCF. The decrease in double and triple products reflected decreased MVO2. A significant fall in diastolic blood pressure was noted in patients with mild hypertension. Abana seems to reduce preload and afterload and improve diastolic function and pump function, which may be responsible for the beneficial effects of Abana in ischemic heart disease.