Dr Avtar Singh
Ayurvedic Herbal Centre, United Kingdom.

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Abstract

This clinical case study presents the integrative management of a 62-year-old male patient with a complex medical history, including pulmonary embolism (PE), aortic aneurysm, chronic inflammatory conditions, and urological issues. The patient was managed through a combination of conventional medical treatment and Ayurvedic principles by Dr. Avtar Singh, focusing on a patient-centered, holistic approach. The case highlights the importance of balancing traditional medicine with modern diagnostics in managing multifaceted health conditions in elderly patients.

Introduction

Integrative medicine seeks to combine the best of conventional medicine and holistic therapies to offer patients a comprehensive care plan. This clinical case involves a 62-year-old male patient, referred to as Michael, who presented with a history of multiple chronic health issues. Despite the challenges posed by his comorbidities, an integrative approach tailored to his specific needs helped manage his health effectively. Dr. Avtar Singh, a UK-based specialist, utilized a blend of modern diagnostic tools and Ayurvedic principles to address both acute and long-term health concerns.

Clinical Background

Michael’s medical history includes several complex conditions:

• Pulmonary Health: Michael had a collapsed lung with scarring and clot formation and a massive pulmonary embolism in June 2024.
• Cardiovascular Health: Diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and hypertension, posing significant risks to his cardiovascular stability.
• Chronic Inflammation: The patient had a history of chronic inflammation and gout, complicating his health further.
• Urological Issues: Prostate-related problems added to his overall health challenges.
• Age-Related Conditions: As a 62-year-old, Michael was also dealing with age-related systemic health issues that required ongoing monitoring and management.

Clinical Presentation

Michael sought consultation with Dr. Singh in August 2024, presenting with chest pain on exertion. His medical history included a previous episode of a massive pulmonary embolism treated with six weeks of anticoagulation therapy. However, Michael had opted to discontinue the anticoagulation therapy and instead pursued Ayurvedic treatment under medical supervision. During his presentation, a D-dimer test revealed an elevated level of 1.36, raising concerns about a potential recurrence of PE.

Given Michael’s clinical history and presenting symptoms, Dr. Singh recommended a CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA) to assess the pulmonary status and rule out any thromboembolic event.

CTPA Findings (3-Months Post Intervention)

The CTPA report revealed the following key findings:

• Pulmonary Assessment: The scan showed no evidence of filling defects or pulmonary embolism. Adequate contrast opacification of the pulmonary arteries confirmed unobstructed blood flow. Minor basal lung atelectatic changes (partial collapse of lung tissue) were noted, but no significant lung pathology was observed. A small, likely benign perifissural nodule was detected in the right upper lung lobe.
• Cardiovascular and Other Findings: The scan did not show signs of right cardiac strain, pleural masses, or fluid collections. The mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes were not enlarged. The examination of the upper abdomen and bones revealed no abnormalities.

Conclusion: The CTPA provided reassurance by ruling out the recurrence of pulmonary embolism. While minor pulmonary changes were identified, the overall pulmonary status appeared stable.

Treatment and Management Approach

The treatment approach was integrative, combining modern medical interventions with traditional Ayurvedic therapies. Dr. Singh took a holistic, patient-centered approach, balancing the need for conventional care with Michael’s preference for natural remedies.

Conventional Medicine

Michael continued to receive conventional medical care to monitor his cardiovascular risks, particularly his aortic aneurysm and hypertension. Regular blood pressure checks, imaging, and laboratory tests were scheduled to keep track of his condition. Preventive measures were put in place to reduce the risk of future embolic events, ensuring a balanced approach to his cardiovascular health.

Ayurvedic Treatment

In keeping with Michael’s preference, Dr. Singh incorporated Ayurvedic interventions to address his chronic conditions. These included herbal formulations designed to reduce systemic inflammation, improve lung function, and support overall well-being. Dietary modifications were also implemented, with an emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods and lifestyle changes to enhance resilience and promote general health.

Patient-Centered Decision Making

Given Michael’s decision to discontinue anticoagulation therapy, a collaborative approach was essential. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of regular follow-ups and continuous monitoring to detect any potential complications early. Michael was fully involved in his treatment decisions, and his autonomy was respected throughout the care process.

Outcomes and Follow-Up

The CTPA findings were reassuring, showing no recurrence of pulmonary embolism. As part of his ongoing care, Michael continued with routine imaging and laboratory testing to monitor his cardiovascular and pulmonary health. The Ayurvedic treatments were maintained to manage inflammation and support his overall health.

Lifestyle interventions focused on reducing stress and improving diet were implemented. Regular follow-up visits with Dr. Singh ensured that Michael’s health was being closely monitored, and adjustments to the treatment plan were made as needed to optimize his outcomes.

Discussion

This case underscores the potential of integrative medicine in managing patients with complex, multi-system health issues. By combining conventional diagnostic tools with Ayurvedic principles, Dr. Singh was able to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that addressed both immediate concerns and long-term health maintenance.

Key Takeaways:

• Respect for Patient Autonomy: Michael’s choice to pursue Ayurvedic treatment was integrated into a holistic care plan, ensuring his preferences were respected while maintaining a strong focus on safety and evidence-based practices.
• Integration of Care: The integration of modern diagnostics with Ayurvedic therapies allowed for a comprehensive approach to Michael’s health, addressing acute symptoms while simultaneously managing chronic conditions.
• Holistic Focus: The case demonstrates the importance of a holistic approach, addressing not only the medical conditions but also improving the patient’s overall quality of life through personalized care and lifestyle modifications.

Conclusion

This clinical case demonstrates the benefits of integrating conventional medicine with holistic Ayurvedic therapies in managing patients with complex health issues. By focusing on both acute care and chronic disease management, Dr. Avtar Singh provided a tailored treatment plan that addressed Michael’s diverse health concerns. The case emphasizes the importance of a patient-centered approach and highlights the potential of integrative medicine in improving health outcomes for individuals with multiple comorbidities.

The success of this case serves as a model for future integrative care strategies, offering valuable insights for both patients and practitioners alike in navigating the complexities of chronic disease management.

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Author’s Reflection

Michael’s case underscores the transformative power of integrative care. It illustrates how a respectful, collaborative relationship between patient and practitioner can lead to more comprehensive, individualized care plans. By combining conventional medical diagnostics with Ayurvedic treatments, we not only managed Michael’s chronic conditions but also enhanced his quality of life.

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Cite this article: Singh, A. (2025). Siddha Ayurveda and Patient-Centered Care. Praxis, 1(1). Retrieved from Siddha Ayurveda and Patient-Centered Care: A Case Study – Praxis