Heart health

Heart is one among the vital organ that support life. In recent years, changes in lifestyle, diets, and environmental factors have led to a notable increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In Ayurveda, these are collectively known as Hridroga and include a wide range of heart and blood vessel disorders such as coronary heart disease, strokes, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart defects, and heart failure. Ayurveda attributes these heart-related issues primarily to imbalances in the three doshas, posing a complex challenge in restoring their equilibrium as part of treating CVDs.

Symptoms of Heart diseases

·       Discoloration of the skin

·       Fainting

·       Fever

·       Difficulty in breathing

·       Bad taste in mouth

·       Morbid thirst

·       Nausea

·       Anorexia

Causes of Heart diseases

·       Vyayama (Excessive physical exertion)

·       Tikshana Dravya sevana (Intake of strong substances)

·       Chinta, bhaya, trasa (Mental worries or stress)

·       Excessive weight loss management

·       Trauma

·       Improper food habits

Management of Heart diseases

Ayurveda categorizes Hridroga into four types based on the imbalance of the three doshas. Treatment protocols are tailored according to the patient's strength and the severity of dosha imbalance. Prevention is emphasized as the primary approach to managing Hridroga, focusing on avoiding causative factors. Following daily routines (Dinacarya) and seasonal routines (Rtucarya) are recommended to prevent cardiac diseases. Additionally, practicing yoga postures that enhance cardiovascular health and engaging in pranayama (breathing exercises) are beneficial in managing heart diseases.

Ayurvedic herbs used in treating Hridroga include Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Nagabala (Sida humilis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Dashmoola. Research indicates that these herbs possess properties such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, anti-platelet effects, and thrombolytic activities, all of which are crucial in managing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders.