Cardiovascular disease
includes all the diseases of the heart and circulation including coronary heart
disease, heart failure, congenital heart disease and stroke. it is also called
heart and circulatory disease.
Throughout the developed
world, coronary heart disease is the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality.
Coronary heart disease and
stroke may be caused by the same problem- atherosclerosis. This is when the
arteries become narrowed by a gradual build-up of fatty material called
atheroma within their walls. If a piece of the atheroma in your arteries breaks
away, it may cause a blood clot to form. If the blood clot blocks your coronary
artery and cuts off the supply of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle, your
heart muscle may become permanently damaged. This is known as a heart attack.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Cardiovascular
Diseases:
According to Ayurveda, the
heart is one vital organ that has the spirit of all body tissues and further
helps in maintaining and promoting healthy life. The body is governed by three
doshas named as Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and 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, the 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 aims at striking at the very root of the
disease, by addressing the disease holistically at its very root.
Causes:
The main aspect of the
disorder is a physical deterioration of the structure of cardiovascular vessels
walls. The deterioration of structure can be of three main types:
· Clogging of vessels
with cholesterol and plaque
· Damaged areas due to
increased pressure and free radical activity
· Loss of vessel wall
thickness
The physical deterioration of cardiovascular vessels
predisposes individuals to a wide variety of symptoms including pain, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations and fainting.
Individuals with
cardiovascular disease also have heightened risk of serious, life threatening
disorders mainly from tissue damage due to poor oxygen supply.
Other risk factors
include:
·
Overweight and
inactivity
·
Overeating
·
Sugar intolerance
and diabetes
·
High cholesterol
·
High blood pressure
·
Family history of
heart disease
·
Cigarette smoking
·
Too much saturated
and trans fats in the diet
·
Excess stress
Symptoms:
·
Changes in
complexion
·
Breathlessness
·
Confusion
·
Lack of appetite.
Vata symptoms of heart disease:
·
Palpitations
·
Arrhythmia
Pitta symptoms of heart disease:
·
Angina
·
Yellow coloration
caused when the liver is congested by heart failure.
Kapha symptoms of heart disease:
·
Drowsiness
·
Cough
·
Heavy sensation in
the heart
Ayurvedic Treatment for Cardiovascular Diseases:
Depending on the
pathology, the line of treatment is decided; ayurveda treatments are supportive
and supplementary to the main stream conventional medicine.
Treatments - The
treatment modalities includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal
medications, Activities, Advice of food and life style changes.
Panchakarma – Virechana,
Basti
Externally – Abhyanga,
Shiro dhara, Hrid Basti
Internally – Herbs which regulates the blood flow and
strengthens the heart as Arjuna (terminalia arjuna), Guggulu (Commifora mukkul)
Activities:
Specific Asanas,
Panayamas, meditation
Food and Lifestyle changes: specific to the individual’s constitution, health condition
nature of work and geographical conditions.