Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, primarily due to narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries. IHD is correlated with Hrudroga (heart diseases) in Ayurveda, specifically Rakta Vaha Srotas Dushti (disorders of blood-carrying channels). It involves imbalances in Tridoshas: primarily Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

 

Causes

• Atherosclerosis: The build-up Shodhana (Cleansing Therapy)of fatty plaques in coronary arteries.
• Spasm of Coronary Arteries: Temporary narrowing due to muscle spasms.
• Thrombosis: Blood clots in arteries.
• Risk Factors:
  • Non-modifiable: Age, gender (higher risk in males), genetic predisposition.
  • Modifiable: Hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress.

Types

• Stable Angina: Predictable chest pain during exertion.
• Unstable Angina: Unpredictable chest pain, a precursor to myocardial infarction.
• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Death of heart tissue due to prolonged ischemia.
• Silent Ischemia: Ischemia without noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina), Hrudaya Shoola
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
• Nausea or dizziness (in some cases).

Pathogenesis (Samprapti)

• Aggravated Kapha leads to Ama formation, causing Dhamani Pratichaya (narrowing of arteries).
• Vata gets aggravated, causing spasms and reduced blood flow.
• Pitta involvement leads to inflammatory processes.

Diagnosis

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects ischemic changes in the heart.
• Echocardiogram: Visualizes heart function.
• Stress Testing: Monitors heart performance during physical activity.
• Coronary Angiography: Visualizes blockages in coronary arteries.
• Blood Tests: Measure troponins and cholesterol levels.

Treatment (Chikitsa)

Interventional Procedures:

• Angioplasty and Stenting: Opens blocked arteries.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Bypasses blocked arteries.

• Nidana Parivarjana: Avoiding causative factors (e.g., unhealthy foods, stress).
• Shodhana (Cleansing Therapy):
  • Virechana: Purgation therapy to eliminate Pitta and Ama.
  • Basti: Medicated enema to balance Vata.

Dietary Recommendations:

• Satvic diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Avoid heavy, oily, or processed foods.

5. Lifestyle Modifications:

• Regular yoga and pranayama (e.g., Anulom-Vilom, Kapalabhati).
• Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation).

Herbal Formulations

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna):

• Properties: Cardioprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
• Use Triphala s: Strengthens heart muscles.9Reduces cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis.
• Improves myocardial function.
• Preparation: Arjuna Ksheerapaka (milk decoction), Arjuna bark powder.

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) :

• Properties: Lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory.
• Uses: cholesterol and triglycerides. Prevents plaque build-up in arteries.
• Preparation: Triphala,Guggulu, Navaka, Guggulu.
• Properties: Antioxidant, digestive, detoxifying.
• Uses: Removes toxins (Ama) that contribute to arterial blockages. Improves lipid metabolism.aration: Triphala powder or capsules.

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) :

• Properties: Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenative.
• Uses: Reduces water retention and swelling. Improves heart efficiency and kidney function.
• Preparation: Decoction or powder.

Lasuna (Garlic, Allium sativum) :

• Properties: Hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
• Uses: Reduces cholesterol and triglycerides. Prevents blood clots and improves arterial health.
• Preparation: Consumed raw or as part of formulations like Lasuna Rasayana.

Amla (Emblica officinalis):

• Properties: Antioxidant, rejuvenative.
• Uses: Reduces oxidative damage to the heart.
• Lowers LDL cholesterol and strengthens blood vessels.
• Preparation: Fresh juice, powder, or as part of Chyawanprash

How to Use Ayurvedic Herbs in IHD?

• Herbal Teas and Decoctions: Combining herbs like Arjuna, Brahmi, and Tulsi.
• Capsules and Tablets: Convenient for regular use.
• Oil Therapies (Abhyanga): Using medicated oils like Arjuna Taila for external application to improve circulation.
• Dietary Inclusion: Herbs like garlic, turmeric, and fenugreek can be included in daily meals.

Ayurveda can complement modern treatments by reducingpl side effects and improving overall cardiac health.

Ayurvedic herbs like Arjuna can be used alongside statins to manage cholesterol. Yoga and meditation can help manage stress, a major contributor to IHD.