ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN PREVENTION OF HRIDROGA (CORONARY HEART DISEASE)

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially coronary heart disease
(CHD), is the leading cause of premature death worldwide. It is on the rise and has
become a true pandemic that respects no borders. Within the coming decades the
disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) estimate due to CVD is expected to rise from a
loss of 85 million DALYs in 1990 to a loss of 150 million DALYs globally in 2020,
thereby remaining the leading somatic cause of loss of productivity. The major CVD
risk factors include unhealthy dietary practices such as high consumption of
saturated fats, salts and refined carbohydrates and tobacco use in the form of
smoking or chewing as well as low consumption of vegetables and fruits along with
physical inactivity.
In Ayurvedic literature, features of CVD correlate with Hridroga which has been
stated to be caused by intake of faulty diet such as Guru (heavy) foods and faulty
stressful life style as well as excessive exertion which in turn cause provocation of
Doshas and vitiation of Rasa Dhatu , thereby leading to the development of Hridroga.
The primary aim of Ayurveda is the maintenance of optimal health and well being
through a comprehensive approach that involves body, mind and environment.
Diseases result from the disturbance in homeostasis of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
which are affected by dietetic factors, lifestyle as well as environmental factors.
Chronic and non- communicable diseases such as CHD are preventable with changes
in diet, lifestyle, and environment. Ayurveda emphasizes regulation of Ahara -Vihar
in the form of Ashtaharvidhi Visheshayatanani, Dwadasha Ashanapravicharana,
Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya and Sadvritta. Various researches have proved
that Ayurvedic dietetic and lifestyle measures have definite role not only in
primordial and primary prevention of CHD but these are equally beneficial as a
supportive measure in secondary and tertiary prevention.