Protect your Heart with Ayurveda

COVID-19 has upended lives in huge proportions and have increased stress and anxiety levels for many. In fact, a few researchers have found a significant increase in patients experiencing stress cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, during the pandemic. This heart condition occurs in response to physical or emotional distress and causes dysfunction or failure in the heart muscle. The psychological effects of the pandemic combined with other lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity lead to the deposition of toxins (ama) in the arteries and causes cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Individuals who are suffering from diabetes, hypertension, high BP, and high cholesterol are at an increased risk of getting CVDs.

So, in this blog, we are going to tell you how you can prevent heart diseases and take care of your heart in the Ayurvedic way.

Warning signs and symptoms

Some of the most common and primary symptoms of any coronary artery disease are chest pain, weakness, fatigue, excess sweating, shortness of breath. A more severe condition could also manifest as a stroke, arrhythmia or cardiac failure. If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention.

Importance of early detection of cardiovascular diseases

The key to heart disease prevention is managing your risk factors and early detection through regular screenings. While certain genetic factors such as age, gender and family history cannot be changed, adopting a healthy lifestyle can dramatically decrease your risk of getting heart disease. Most regular heart-health screenings include blood pressure, fasting lipoprotein profile (cholesterol), weight/body mass index (BMI), blood glucose test, physical activity, diet and tobacco use evaluation. Your doctor may also request more stringent screening if you already have risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Ayurvedic way of keeping your heart healthy

Though genetics play some role in heart diseases, the majority of heart diseases become aggravated because of wrong lifestyle choices and diet. Ayurveda treatment focuses on identifying the root cause of heart disease and offers a personalized solution for the problem. Here are the four steps on how Ayurveda can help in preventing heart diseases: 

1. Balance aggravated doshas: High Kapha in body may result in cholesterol aggravation and may create blockages in heart. High Vata disturbs the rhythm of heart and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. High Pitta may cause burning sensation and reduces the endurance power of heart against emotional hazards. Ayurveda helps balance the aggravated doshas that may cause serious heart problems.
2. Brain Rejuvenation: Ayurvedic treatment provides rasayanas that strengthens the brain to handle stressful situations effectively, which is also the need of the hour.
3. Manage Agni and Ama: Ayurveda considers two things very important to maintain health – strong agni (digestion) and absence of ama (toxins). Ayurveda helps maintain strong agni that produces Ojas. A person with good ojas is calm and content and has both strong immunity and endurance.
4. Emotional Strength: Pent-up emotions like anger, grief and resentment have a damaging effect on the heart. All negative sentiments have been described as Tamasic in Ayurveda. With the help of Yoga and Pranayama, Tamasic emotions can be driven away and Sattvic emotions can be cultivated.

Ayurvedic home remedies for a healthy heart

Arjun ki Chaal (White Marudah)

Boil half a spoon of Arjun ki Chaal in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes on a low flame till it is reduced to half a cup and drink it.

Lehsun (Garlic)

Boil a cup of milk with a garlic clove, cinnamon, honey, and drink in the morning. You can also start your day by eating a clove of garlic to enjoy its heart-friendly benefits.

Please remember that early detection and prevention is the key to good heart health. Cardiac exercises like cycling, jogging, and regular meditation helps strengthen the heart muscles and improve heart function. Avoid smoking, drinking, and eating excessive junk food and fried/oily foods. Please consult a doctor if you experience any irregularity in your heart function.