CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Scope of Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Coronary artery disease, also called as ischemic heart disease, is a condition in which fatty deposits called atheroma accumulate in the walls of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. This process is called atherosclerosis. When it causes a partial block it results in ischemia (reduced blood supply) and may result in an attack of angina. When the block is complete, it can cause a heart attack. Coronary artery disease is the commonest cause of cardiovascular disease.

Coronary artery disease is best treated by a medical consultant trained and experienced in that field. However, Ayurvedic medicines have a definite and important adjuvant (additional) role to play in the management of this disease.

During the acute attack of pain, specially in an attack of angina, Ayurvedic medicines like Laxmi Vilas Rasa, Shrung Bhasma and Brihat Vat Chintamani can be given sub-lingually (beneath the tongue) in a powdered form, mixed with ginger juice and honey. These medicines reduce the pain, protect the heart, and improve the tone of the heart muscles.

After the acute attack has been controlled, the same medicines can be given orally to reduce damage to the heart muscles. In addition, other medicines are used such as Arjun (containing mainly Terminali arjuna) Ghrut, Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Triphala (Three fruits), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysenterica) .

The most important role of Ayurvedic medicines is in preventing or reducing atherosclerosis and thereby controlling coronary artery disease. Ayurvedic formulations like Triphala Guggulu, Medohar Guggulu, Chandraprabha, and herbal medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) , Garlic (Allium sativum), Arjuna, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) and Triphala are very useful in reducing blood cholesterol, fatty deposits in the blood vessels, atherosclerosis, blood pressure, excess fat deposition in the body and also prevent diabetes. Currently, it is believed that we are just as old (or young) as our arteries! What this means is that our life span is directly dependent upon the health of our arteries. The above mentioned properties of these medicines make them useful not only in preventing heart attacks and other heart disease, but also in preventing and reducing damage in stroke (paralysis), kidney failure and vision loss.

Adhering to the treatment schedule of modern medicines, and strictly following the treating physician's advice, is very important, and can be life-saving. Adopting a sensible diet, abstaining from harmful vices, and following a daily routine of relaxation techniques, pranayam (breathing exercises) and yogic asanas, can also go a long way in preventing and controlling coronary artery disease.