Ischaemic Heart Disease
Ischaemic heart diseases (IHD) are common among middle-aged people, but are becoming increasingly common in younger age groups too.
Causes
Atherosclerosis i.e. thickening of artery walls serves as main cause of IHD though artial spasm too can cause IHD. Syphilitic aortitis, coronary embolism, congenital anomalies of coronary artery also can cause IHD. Poor diet, high intake of cholesterol, fat and sucrose, hypertension and cigarette smoking are some of the other known causes.
Symptoms
- Chest pain
- Arrhythmias
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Conductive defects in heart
- Congestive cardiac failure
- Sudden death
Consultation on Call
Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda has designated heart as an origin of channel of rasa dhatu (which is first tissue out of seven recognized tissues). This rasa dhatu is formed after digestion of food by gastric fire. Weak gastric fire, consumption of improper diet, mental stress etc lead to production of toxic, vitiated rasa dhatu. Toxins (ama) from rasa dhatu go into the heart and create blockages in channels. Such blockages result in IHD.
The heart is the site of the mind and emotions, so disorder of this organ must be reflected by some tension at a mental level. Poor diet, such as excessive intake of heavy oily foods like dairy products, fatty meats and sugar is another causative factor. Digestion becomes impaired due to factors such as irregular eating habits, over eating and intake of the wrong foods, which causes the accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins become deposited in the channels of the body, such as the coronary arteries, causing obstruction to proper circulation which results in the various forms of heart disease
Ayurvedic treatment consists of cleaning these channels of the toxins and restoring digestion to prevent further accumulation of blockages in the body. Toning herbs are also administered to strengthen the heart, cardio-vascular system and the mind. Diet and regimen adjustments are also advised to support treatment and maintain health.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
- The fact that IHD is diet and lifestyle related pathology has been proved beyond any doubt.
- Fatty diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, mental stress, undisciplined lifestyle and lack of physical exercise increase risk of IHD to a great extent. Avoding these factors as much as possible, following healthy lifestyle and taking low calory diet are the ways to prevent IHD.
- Yoga, pranayam, meditation and stress relieving techniques have already proved their efficacy in management of cardiac problems.
- Paying attention to digestion and excretion and avoiding digestion is important for protecting oneself from IHD like pathologies.
Home Remedies
- Take powder of Arjun tree bark (5-10 gm), milk (1 cup) and water (3 cups). Add all three ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook in low flame until volume reduces to one cup. This should be filtered and taken empty stomach in the morning. It is called Arjuna Kheer Pak.
- Take 3 parts ground turmeric, 6 parts ground cumin, 6 parts ground coriander, 6 parts ground fennel, 2 parts ground fenugreek, 1 part dried powdered ginger and 1 part ground black pepper. Combine the spices and store in a sealed container. When preparing your meal, sauté a teaspoon of spices in a small amount of ghee or olive oil. Combine this tasty and healthy spice mix with vegetables.
- Take half tablespoon of Trikatu powder with honey, daily. Helps to reduce cholesterol and prevents heart disease.