Cardiovascular Disease: An Overview
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, congenital heart disease, and stroke. It is commonly referred to as heart and circulatory disease. In developed countries, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Causes of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke
Both coronary heart disease and stroke are often linked to atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries narrow due to a gradual buildup of fatty material called atheroma. If a piece of this atheroma breaks off, it can lead to a blood clot. If this clot blocks a coronary artery, it can cut off oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, potentially causing permanent damage known as a heart attack.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Cardiovascular Diseases
In Ayurveda, the heart is considered vital for maintaining overall health and is governed by three sub-doshas: Vyana Vata (blood flow and heartbeat), Sadhaka Pitta (emotional balance), and Avalambaka Kapha (sense of security). A healthy heart is believed to contribute to a healthy mind. Ayurveda attributes coronary heart disease to a Kapha-provoking lifestyle, characterized by sedentary habits and excessive consumption of fatty foods, particularly trans-fats, along with inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease
The primary aspect of cardiovascular disease is the physical deterioration of cardiovascular vessel walls, which can occur in three main ways:
- Clogging of Vessels: With cholesterol and plaque.
- Damaged Areas: Due to increased pressure and free radical activity.
- Loss of Vessel Wall Thickness.
This deterioration can lead to symptoms such as pain, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fainting. Individuals with cardiovascular disease are at a heightened risk of serious complications due to tissue damage from poor oxygen supply.
Risk Factors
Key risk factors include:
- Overweight and Inactivity.
- Overeating.
- Sugar Intolerance and Diabetes.
- High Cholesterol.
- High Blood Pressure.
- Family History of Heart Disease.
- Cigarette Smoking.
- Excessive Saturated and Trans Fats.
- Excess Stress.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Changes in Complexion.
- Breathlessness.
- Confusion.
- Lack of Appetite.
Dosha-Specific Symptoms:
- Vata Symptoms: Palpitations, arrhythmia.
- Pitta Symptoms: Angina, yellow coloration due to liver congestion from heart failure.
- Kapha Symptoms: Drowsiness, cough, heavy sensation in the heart.
Line of Treatment
Ayurvedic treatments are supportive and supplementary to conventional medicine. The approach depends on the pathology of the disease.
Treatment Modalities:
- Panchakarma: Procedures like Virechana and Basti.
- External Therapies: Abhyanga, Shiro Dhara, Hrid Basti.
- Internal Medications: Herbs such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukkul) to regulate blood flow and strengthen the heart.
- Activities:
- Specific yoga asanas.
- Pranayama.
- Meditation.
- Food and Lifestyle Changes: Tailored to the individual’s constitution, health condition, work nature, and geographical conditions.
