Coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease is a group of diseases that includes stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction and sudden death. The mechanism involves the reduction of blood flow and oxygen to the heart due to deposits of plaque in the artery (made up of fat, calcium, abnormal cells) known as Atherosclerosis.

 Major Risk Factors:

  • Smoking or tobacco in any form
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol level

 Predisposing Risks Factors:

  • Obesity
  • Insulin resistance.
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Family history of CHD.
  • Advanced age 

Symptoms:

  • Chest pain is a common symptom.
  • Discomfort in the chest travels to the shoulder, arm, back and neck.
  • Pain precipitated by exertion or emotions.
  • Other symptoms include shortness of breath, restlessness, sweating, nausea, vomiting. 

Diagnosis:

E.C.G, Holter Monitor OL, Cardiogram, Stress Test, C.T. Scan, Coronary Catheterization, Nuclear Ventriculography and ABI-Ankle Brachial Index mainly meant for females for early diagnosis. Measuring blood pressure at the ankle and the arm and comparing the results. If the pressure is significantly lower at the ankle, it indicates heart trouble. 

Management:

Indians are genetically prone to get CAD. It is a self-created disease due to negligence, improper diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress. 

Diet:

  • Vitamin C – rich in citrus fruit and adequate intake helps slow down the ageing process, protects against spontaneous breaches in the capillary wall which leads to a heart attack.
  • Intake of Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in cell level. Potassium alone helps to get rid of excess sodium controlling B.P A fruit like banana and avocado helps.
  • Flax seeds, CoenzymeQlO, fiber, lecithincontrols CAD by reversing the process of atherosclerosis.
  • Arjuna – Since ancient times, the bark of this tree was used for treating heart disease.
  • Garlic-Consuming directly or crushed garlic mixed in milk controls CAD.
  • Honey – Tones the heart and improves circulation, prevents palpitation.
  • Nuts – Walnut and almonds which are high in calorie, required in few numbers help increase HDL.
  • Black grapes and pomegranate-Phytochemicals present in these fruits are known to be heart-protective.
  • Green Tea – Improves function of endothelial cells thereby reduces the risk of clogged arteries.
  • Control the portion of food by adding more vegetables.
  • Avoid Red meat, white flour, bakery products, butter, cheese, junk/fast/fried foods, smoking and alcohol.

Practice: 

  • Fasting  – The body needs a break to repair itself, weekly one-day fasting helps to utilize the stored energy and cleanses the body.
  • Exercise – One should exercise 45% to 80% of maximum heart rate for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Whole-body exercises like walking, swimming, cycling are ideal. Exercise helps control weight, regulates sugar, lowers blood pressure, increases good cholesterol and reduces the workload on the heart.
  • Yoga – It has a direct and powerful impact on heart muscles. Asanas like Tadasana, Trikonasana, Katichakrasana, Bhujangasana, Katichalana, Ardapavanmuktasana, Parvatasana, help to improve pumping action of heart and maintain elasticity of blood vessels. When practiced with breathing awareness it controls anger, calms the mind.
  • Pranayama – Like anuloma viloma, sukhapranayama, sheetali, bhramari make breathing more relaxed and efficient. Shavasana, Meditation and Yoganidra improve cardiac performance and reduction in daily stress.

Naturopathy Treatments: 

  • Mud pack – Relaxes the mind and body.
  • Cold Hip bath – Helps to reduce fat around the waist, controls high B.P, Cholesterol, sugar levels.
  • Neutral immersion bath with friction – Helps to dilate the contracted vessels, reduces the viscosity of the blood and improves circulation.
  • Cold Spinal Bath – Reduces High B.P and stimulates cardiac activity.
  • Oil Massage – Helps to relax the person and improve circulation.
  • Full Wet Pack – Helps for sweating, improves peripheral circulation.

Listen to your body, believe in your symptoms and take action. Take a short nap to refresh oneself. Cultivate a calm mind and tranquil. Balance work with play.