OBJECTIVES: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in stroke has implications on morbidity and mortality. Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine) describes stroke as pakshaghata. We intended to study the effect of Ayurveda therapies on the cardiac autonomic dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty patients of ischemic stroke (middle cerebral artery territory) (mean age 39.26 +/- 9.88 years; male 43, female 7) were recruited within one month of ictus. All patients received standard allopathic medications as advised by neurologist. In addition, patients were randomized to receive physiotherapy (Group I) or Ayurveda treatment (Group II) for 14 days. Continuous electrocardiogram and finger arterial pressure were recorded for 15 min before and after treatments and analyzed offline to obtain heart rate and blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Results were analysed by RMANOVA. RESULTS: Patients in Group II showed statistically significant improvement in cardiac autonomic parameters. The standard deviation of normal to normal intervals, and total and low frequency powers were significantly enhanced (F = 8.16, p = 0.007, F = 9.73, p = 0.004, F = 13.51, and p = 0.001, resp.). The BRS too increased following the treatment period (F = 10.129, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The current study is the first to report a positive modulation of cardiac autonomic activity after adjuvant Ayurveda treatment in ischemic stroke. Further long term studies are warranted.

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