Ayurvedic Way Of Managing Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD)

Introduction

As per modern science, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a disease in which there is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the heart). Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty material and plaque inside the coronary arteries).

According to Ayurveda, the heart is one of the vital organs that has the spirit of all body tissues. It helps in maintaining and promoting healthy life. The human body is under the control of three doshas named Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The human heart is also managed by three sub-doshas commonly known as Vyana Vata (blood flow and beat), Sadhaka Pitta (emotional balance), Avalambaka Kapha (Sense of security). Thus a healthy heart leads to a healthy mind.

In Ayurveda, coronary heart disease results from a Kapha- provoking sedentary lifestyle coupled with excess consumption of fatty foods, especially trans-fats, and insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables. Ayurveda recommends some herbal medicine, various Ayurvedic therapies, and lifestyle changes to promote a healthy heart.

Symptoms Of Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD)

The most common symptoms of coronary heart disease (CHD) are:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain throughout the body.
• Feeling faint.
• Feeling sick (nausea).

Causes Of Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD)

Some of the factors that lead to C H D are:

• Age

  Getting older increases may be one of the risks of damaged and narrowed arteries.

• Sex

  Men are generally at greater risk of coronary artery disease. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.

• Family history

  A family history of heart disease is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a close relative developed heart disease at an early age.

• Smoking

  People who have the habit of smoking may significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Breathing in secondhand smoke also increases the risk of coronary artery disease.

• High blood pressure

  Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in hardening and thickening of the arteries, narrowing the channel through which blood can flow.

• High blood cholesterol levels

  High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of the formation of plaque and atherosclerosis. It may lead to a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol. A low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, can also contribute to atherosclerosis.

• Diabetes

  Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease share similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.

• Overweight or obesity

  Excess weight also leads to an increase in the symptoms of CHD.

• Physical inactivity

  Lack of exercise is also a factor associated with coronary artery disease.

• High stress

  Unrelieved stress may damage the arteries as well as worsen other risk factors for coronary artery disease.

• Unhealthy diet

  Eating too much food that has high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and sugar can increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

Some of the features that may lead to an increase in coronary heart disease are Smoking, High blood pressure.High cholesterol, Diabetes or insulin résistance, not being active, high stress, and unhealthy diet.

Prevention For Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD)

A healthy lifestyle can help keep the arteries strong and clear of plaque. To improve heart health, follow these tips:

• Quit smoking.
• Control conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Stay physically active.
• Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce and manage stress.

How To Manage Coronary Heart Disease Through Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic approach that aims to provide better treatment by incorporating diet, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and herbs-for patients with established coronary heart disease. Some of the treatment modalities include panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications, Activities, Advice of food and lifestyle changes, etc.

• Panchakarma

  These treatments include Virechana, Basti, etc. Virechana Karma is effective in reducing triglycerides level, whereas Lekhana Basti is effective in reducing the cholesterol level in particular.

• Externally

  External treatments are Abhyanga, Shiro Dhara, Hrid Basti, etc.

• Internally

  These treatments include the Herbs which regulates the blood flow and strengthens the heart as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul).

• Activities

  Specific Asanas, Pranayamas, meditation are very effective treatments in Ayurveda and helps to reduce the symptoms of coronary heart disease.

Food And LifeStyle Changes

• Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Base meals on higher fiber starchy foods like potatoes, bread, pasta, or rice.
• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks).
• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat, and other protein.
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat them in small amounts.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Ayurvedic Herbs To Cure Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD)

Some of the Ayurvedic herbs that are useful for managing coronary artery diseases are as follow:

• Garlic

  Garlic acts in an anti-inflammatory environment by cytokine modulation in human blood. Its various forms reduce cardiovascular risk, including abnormal plasma lipids, oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL), abnormal platelet aggregation, and high blood pressure. It may also help prevent the scarring and hardening of the arteries.

• Tinospora Cordifolia (Guduchi)

  It is a shrub. The root stems and leaves act as Ayurvedic medicine. Guduchi is rich in antioxidants like ascorbic acid, lycopene, and carotene--they have anti-aging properties. It is working as cardioprotection against ischemia -reperfusion-induced myocardial injury. It is cardiotonic medicine and very effective for CHD.

• Tribulus Terrestris (Gokshura)

  It is one of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda known as Gokshura. It has a property to pacify Vata and pitta doshas in the body. It also increases the activity of the heart and helps to lower down the high blood pressure and cholesterol level.

• Terminalia Arjuna

  It has various medicinal properties like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. Arjuna helps reduce the risk of heart diseases. It strengthens and tones the heart muscles and helps in the proper functioning of the heart. Arjuna tree provides strong anti-hypertensive properties and helps reduce high blood pressure.

• Prabhakar Vati

  This is a Herbomineral drug and also possesses potent antianginal and cardioprotective activities. It nourishes the body tissues and provides strength to heart muscles. They are also beneficial in irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, chest pain, and pain in the heart region.

• Shilajit

  It may also protect the heart and improve heart health.

• Commiphora mukul(Guggul)

  It is a flowering plant that produces a fragrant resin called guggul. It acts as incense and Ayurvedic medicine. It is used for arthritis, lowering high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), acne and other skin diseases, and weight loss.

• Curcuma longa (Turmeric)

  It is one of the famous Ayurvedic herbs. They are effective for metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular diseases like CHD. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Draksharishta

  It gives strength to diseased and weakened hearts and improves the muscular system. Draksharishta helps keep the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) under control.

• Gymnema Sylvestre

  Gymnema Sylvestre is a woody climbing shrub used as an ayurvedic herb for cardioprotective activity. It may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides.

Ayurveda helps to provide various Ayurvedic treatments for CHD. Some of them are diet, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and herbs. Some of the treatment modalities include panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications, activities, advice of food and lifestyle changes, etc. Some of the Ayurvedic herbs are garlic, Guduchi, Gokshura, Terminalia Arjuna, Prabhakar Vati, Shilajit, Gymnema Sylvestre, Draksharishta, Curcuma longa, and guggul.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned information is collected from various Ayurvedic textbooks. Always seek the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any herbs or herbal medicines for the treatment of Coronary Heart Diseases.