Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Left ventricular dysfunction (or LVD) is a type of heart disease, which when coupled with CHF or chronic heart failure can prove deadly for the patient. Prompt treatment of this condition is an absolute must as delays can prove to be fatal for the patient. The commonest form of this condition is the use of either prescription or over the counter drugs. The only procedure that is commonly used to cure LVD is iron infusion. The treatments used not only focus on symptom management but also the reversal of this condition so that patients can lead a normal and healthy life. In very rare cases, a cornoray surgery or a mitral valve surgery may be performed to treat severe cases of LVD. However, this is very rare and generally not recommended due to associated risks. Drugs and medications are the safest and most effective treatment methods for patients of LVD.

If doctors have decided that the patient suffering from LVD is going to be treated with the help of medication, patients will have to be mostly on oral drugs. These drugs can not only help in the treatment of LVD but also of associated heart failure. They can also significantly reduce the patient's chances of visitng the hospital for the cure of this condition. Before taking the pills orally, patients should carefully read the instruction leaflet provided and should ask questions, if they have any. The doctor may direct the patient to have the pill twice daily, which can be had before or after food, depending on what the doctor recommends. Most of the drugs used maybe available in either liquid or tablet form. In case the patient decides to have the liquid form, he or she shoud shake the bottle well before use. Commonly used drugs include diovan, coreg, valsartan and more. Iron infusion is also a treatment option. In this procedure iron is administered to the patient intravenously, i.e. with the help of a drip. Patients may have to make a trip to the doctor's clinic for this procedure. Before going for this procedure though, patients should have their meals and take their regular medications, if the doctor allows for the latter. The procedure is painless.

Heart patients who have LVD, with or without CHF, are eligible for both the treatment processs, i.e. drugs and medications and iron infusions.

LVD patients who are allergic to the use of certain chemicals in the drugs used or those who also suffer from other conditions such as liver disease or dehydration should not have these drugs. Moreover, patients with very severe cases of LVD may not be eligible for iron infusions or oral medications.

Both the oral medications used as well as iron infusion for LVD have side effects. The side effects of the oral medication include lightheadedness, dizziness, diarrhea, drowsiness and fatigue. The side effects of iron infusion are headaches, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, rashes, itching, and nausea and in worse cases, shock and loss of consciousness.

Patients will need to follow certain guidelines post-treatment to ensure its successful. In the case of drugs, patients should not drive after having it as they can get dizzy. Moreover, they shouldn't use machinery either or indulge in any activity that demands alertness. Patients will also need to cut down on their salt intake as well as alcohol consumption. As far as iron infusions are concerned, patients should rest after every session and absolutely must avoid heavy foods. They should also wear loose and comfortable clothing to help with the itching and the rashes.

It can take up to 3 months to 1 year for patients of LVD to recover. This time can vary depending on the severity of the LVD as well as the treatment option used.

The price of oral medication for LVD can range from Rs. 89 to Rs. 1500. This fluctuation is a result of the brand of the medicine as well as its dosage strength. Iron infusion is very expensive and can cost up to Rs. 4 lakhs.

The results of the treatment methods employed to treat LVD are not exactly permanent. They help in the management of the condition and also bring about a significant improvement but they cannot cure it.

The most widely used alternative to drugs and iron infusion for LVD are surgeries . These include coronary bypass surgery and mitral valve surgery.