Acute Left Heart Failure From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Acute heart failure is a condition caused by a sudden cardiac impairment leading to a significant and rapid decline in cardiac output, resulting in inadequate organ perfusion and acute congestion syndrome. It is also known as acute congestive heart failure.

Classification in Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute heart failure can be categorized into multiple syndromes, including Yang deficiency with agitation, Yin deficiency with agitation, Yang deficiency with blood stasis, Yin deficiency with blood stasis, Yang deficiency with phlegm-dampness, water-damp invasion, heat-toxin disturbing the heart, Yang deficiency with phlegm-blood stasis, and Qi deficiency with blood insufficiency.

Related TCM Conditions

In TCM theory, acute heart failure is associated with conditions such as palpitations, dyspnea, edema, and phlegm retention. Specifically, acute left heart failure falls under the categories of dyspnea, palpitations, and edema. These conditions are often interrelated and reflect systemic imbalances within the body.

Importance of Syndrome Differentiation

Effective treatment of acute left heart failure in TCM relies heavily on accurate syndrome differentiation. Proper identification of the underlying pattern is crucial, as it directly influences the therapeutic approach and outcome. Only through precise diagnosis can targeted and effective treatment be achieved.