Even in the 21st century, despite advanced treatments, Cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of adult death. Strategies for the treatment and prevention of heart disease can be highly effective and have been subjected to rigorous evaluation. The evidence base for the treatment of cardiovascular disease is stronger than that of any other disease group.
Heart diseases can be divided into Acquired and Congenital
Congenital Heart Diseases can be prevented to a certain degree by undergoing preconceptional shodhana karmas, making a favorable environment for an embryo to grow. Ayurveda says maternal and paternal factors are responsible for the growth of a healthy embryo. Shodhana Karmas and Masanumasika Garbha Charyas, mentioned in the Ayurvedic text, can prevent diseases in children.
Acquired Heart Diseases can be prevented by modifying the lifestyle. Since Hrudaya is considered a Marma, diseases affecting Hrudaya should be taken care of with utmost care. Ayurveda describes Hridroga, which involves Rasa Dhatu, which nourishes the body, and the involvement of Ojas, which is necessary for the sustenance of life.
Cause
Every disease can be caused due to Aharaja (dietary), Viharaja (lifestyle), Vaidyakruta (due to non-judicious treatments), Manasika (mental factors), Agantuja (external causes like bacteria, virus etc).
Identifying the cause of every disease is very important in planning its treatment and preventive measures. It’s also applicable for Hridroga.
Importance of Lifestyle
Diet, Exercise, and Mental health also play a crucial role in controlling heart disease. Ahara, Nidra, and Brahmacharya are considered as three pillars of life. Postponing natural urges due to poor sanitation and hectic schedules can negatively impact digestive health and overall wellbeing.
Importance of Dietary Factors
In Ayurveda, Ahara Vidhi Vidhan refers to guidelines for proper dietary habits to promote health and prevent diseases. These guidelines include consuming warm and unctuous food, maintain meal spacing, avoiding imcompatible food, eating in a suitable environment, eating at a leisurely pace etc.
An increased intake of very hot food items, food that is very difficult to digest, strictly sticking to one taste, and unwanted medications for a long duration may bring changes in the cellular level. Following a diet that doesn’t align with one’s gut health can lead to adverse effects and potential health issues.
Excessive consumption of coffee and tea can interfere with iron absorption, potentially leading to iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, smoking is a significant risk factor for hypertension. Immoderate consumption of alcohol, as well as beverages like coffee and tea prepared with processed sugar and milk, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial in preventing obesity and lifestyle disorders associated with a sedentary routine. In nuclear families, women often overeat to prevent food wastage, which can lead to obesity in middle age, while neglecting self-care may result in malnourishment in some cases. To prevent this habit, following a balanced and mindful diet is essential. Migration to new places for work or education can also lead to changes in gut health due to differences in diet, water, and lifestyle.
Tips for Eating Food
- Eat food when it is hot.
- Eat food when you feel hungry.
- Include more fresh fruits and vegetables which are seasonal.
- Avoid spicy, overcooked food prepared in unhygienic conditions.
- Stop eating once your hunger is over.
- Avoid using reheated food or food that is kept at different temperatures.
- Avoid taking a bath after a meal, which may slow down your digestion.
- Cooking with minimum oil is very important.
- Following the same time for food is very important.
- Blending curd and water in a mixer grinder may lack the medicinal properties and health benefits associated with traditionally prepared buttermilk as per Ayurveda texts.
- Consuming buttermilk that has been thoroughly churned to remove butterfat offers several health benefits.
Maintaining dental hygiene is essential to prevent infections, which may be a cause of heart disease.
Role of Sleep
Ayurveda gives priority to sleep. Indulging in day sleep and keeping awake at night has brought many health issues nowadays. Maintaining sleep discipline is very much needed. Avoiding screens and electronic devices for at least two hours before bedtime, early dinner, keeping a peaceful mindset, and sleeping in a comfortable place is very much recommended. Stress may lead to a lack of sleep and may result in hypertension and heart disease.
Role of Vyayama
The role of exercise is very important. Late-night workouts and workouts beyond their capacity may bring adverse results. Many of the household work is being replaced by machines. Doing minimum household work like washing and sweeping whenever possible can also prevent obesity. Practicing yoga with the help of an instructor may improve the fitness of the mind and body.
Influenced by the appearance of film stars and models, many young people are drawn to various workout routines in pursuit of similar physiques. Considering the physique and Prakriti of the person, one should be involved in the exercise, and brisk walking 4-5 kilometers is advisable.
Role of Mental Factors
Desire is the root cause of all Dukha. Avoiding Dashavidha Papakarma will help you to have a peaceful life. All diseases are caused by the improper, excessive, or incorrect utilization of the sense organs and prajnaapaaradha (wrongful actions or misdeeds). Ayurveda says treating the small creatures with the same compassion we show ourselves is very much important. It will bring peace to our lives.
Overloading ourselves in any aspect of life beyond our capacity can lead to stress, which affects self-care and may eventually result in illness. In Ayurveda, this is told as ‘sahasa’ (rashness), a primary cause (nidana) of imbalance, as it disrupts the body’s natural harmony and invites physical and mental disturbances.
Stress frequently presents as physical symptoms in various diseases. Emotional balance plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. The pursuits of a luxurious lifestyle often lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of true contentment. “Life is a compromise between the ideal and the practical” as this quote says, try to balance our emotions.
“अहिंसाकस्य दान्तस्य धर्मार्जितधनस्य च |
सर्वदा नियमस्थस्य सदा सानुग्रहाः ग्रहाः ||”
For one who is Non-Violent, Self-Controlled, has earned wealth through righteous means, and is always disciplined, the planets are always favorable.
Role of Rasayana
“तक्काले तु प्रवर्त्तन्ते पूर्वेवयसि मध्येव वा |
बाल्ये वा प्रथमे तस्मात् तद् दोषं शोधयेत् ||” ch su 7/41
One should take action at the right time, whether it is in the early stages of life, middle age, or childhood, to prevent the accumulation of Doshas (humors or constitutional imbalances).
“Strength is the best medicine, and it is the ultimate remedy. It is the basis of health and wellness, and it is the key to preventing disease.
