What is Coronary heart disease?

As per modern aspect:

It is a disease in which there is an accumulation of cholesterol inside the coronary arteries, creating plaques.

When plaque builds up in the arteries, this is called as Atherosclerosis.

This results in the narrowing of coronary artery and decreased in blood flow to the heart. A complete blockage in artery leads to heart attack.

As per Ayurveda concept:

In Ayurveda, coronary heart disease is correlated with Hridya Rog.

It can either be grouped as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha or a combination of these three doshas or any other that can arise as a complication called as krimija hridya rog. Vataja and krimija resembleangina and infarction.

The main cause that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease is Ama that is comparable to hyperlipidemia and other toxic complexes. Some lifestyle-related factors are Abhighata (physical and emotional trauma), vishmashana (irregular dietary habits), adhyashana (over-eating), atikarshana (weakness due to chronic disorders) etc.

What are the causes of Coronary heart disease?

  • Damage or blockage to a coronary artery
  • Stress
  • Lack of exercise

What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?

  • Indigestion
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in arms and shoulder
  • Heaviness, tightness, and pain in the chest
  • Chest discomfort
  • Heartburn

How can you treat Coronary heart disease naturally?

Omega- 3 fatty acids:

Inflammation is the main cause of many heart diseases. This reduces the inflammation in the body and also decreases triglycerides, lowers the blood pressure and boosts the immune system.

Fishes containing Omega-3s are herring, salmon, and mackerel.

It also includes:

  • Soybean oil
  • Walnuts
  • Canola oil
  • Flax seeds

Phytosterols:

Foods containing phytosterols contains 0.6 to 3.3 gm of plant sterols that can reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) also known as bad cholesterol by combining these sterols with fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains, and low saturated fats. This helps in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

It includes:

  • Nuts
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Unrefined vegetable oils

Green Tea:

Green tea has an anti-oxidant property. It contains a compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate that can prevent from atherosclerosis and also helps in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It slows down the rate of damaged cartilage. It also fights with free radicals that can damage the cells.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D plays an important role by regulating the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous and is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease.

It includes:

  • Eggs
  • Fortified breakfast cereals
  • Fortified soy milk
  • Canned tuna
  • Shrimp
  • Fortified orange juice
  • Milk
  • Chinook salmon

Magnesium and potassium supplements:

Intake of magnesium supplement helps in reducing blood pressure. Oral magnesium intake acts as a natural channel blocker and improves endothelial dysfunction. It also induces direct and indirect vasodilation. Many cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias can be treated with intake of magnesium.

Heart-healthy diet:

Many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good for the heart. It can reduce inflammation, unhealthy high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Many anti-inflammatory foods such as Beets, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, salmon, and pineapple are helpful in damaging the free radicals and lowers the overactive response of the immune system.

Red yeast rice:

It is extracted from rice that has been fermented with a type of yeast called as Monascus purpureus. It contains an ingredient called as lovastatin that may help in controlling cholesterol levels and also contains isoflavones, sterols, and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Pomegranate:

Pomegranate contains an antioxidant chemical that helps in reversing atherosclerosis and lowers the blood pressure.

Vitamin K2:

Diet rich in vitamin K helps in reducing the risk of death due to heart problems that helps in preventing calcium in the bloodstream from depositing in the blood vessels and arteries and also helps in improving the function of blood vessels. It also reduces the blockage leading to heart attacks and strokes and also reduces the age-related stiffness of the arteries.

Mediterranean diet:

It is a very effective anti-inflammatory diet that reduces the inflammation and lowers the cholesterol level and triglycerides, thus help in reducing the symptoms of various chronic diseases.

It includes:

  • Beans
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Fish
  • Olive oil

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C helps in maintaining the health of the heart and prevents it from diseases. It reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It holds powerful antioxidant properties and also boosts the immune system.

Essential oils:

Essential oils are the natural plant products that can help in managing inflammation and other symptoms that are related to heart disease.

Ginger essential oil:

It contains a compound known as gingerol that has an anti-inflammatory property and has free radical scavenging activity.

Stress Reduction:

Stress raised the levels of cortisol and suppresses the immune system, detoxification, and cell regeneration.

Some natural stress relievers are

Exercise:

Exercise helps in restoring and maintaining cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, managing hormones and helps in keeping you relax. It helps in bringing more oxygen to the cells and helps in managing blood sugar levels and benefits in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and heart failure.

Conclusion:

Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease that occurs when there is the narrowing of small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart and sometimes that gets harden that can cause rupturing of these vessels, heart attacks, and other fatal heart-related conditions. Several causes that lead to this disease as per Ayurveda and modern aspect are mentioned above. Many symptoms that are related to coronary heart disease are also mentioned above. Several natural treatments that can reduce the effect of heart disease are also mentioned.

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Vikram Chauhan is an expert Ayurveda consultant for various Ayurvedic institutes in Europe, India, and Asia. He is running an Ayurvedic healing center in Chandigarh, India and experienced doctor in Ayurvedic medicine.