Yoga for heart disease

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A coronary heart disease is a group of diseases that includes stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. The mechanism involves the reduction of blood flow and oxygen to the heart due to deposits of plaque in the artery (made up of fat, calcium, and abnormal cells) known as Atherosclerosis.

Risk Factors:-

  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol level
  • Obesity
  • Insulin resistance
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Family history
  • Advanced age
  • Smoking, tobacco, or alcohol

Symptoms:-

  • Discomfort in the chest, shoulder, arm, back & neck
  • Chest pain is a common symptom
  • Pain precipitated by exertion or emotions
  • Shortness of Breath, Restlessness, Sweating, Nausea, Vomiting

Management for the CHD

Yoga: – Asanas like Tadasana, Trikonasana, Katichakrasana, Bhujangasana, Katichalana, Ardapavanmuktasana, and Parvatasana, help to improve the pumping action of the heart and maintain the elasticity of blood vessels. When practiced with breathing awareness it controls anger and calms the mind.

Pranayama: – Anuloma Viloma, Sukhapranayama, Sheetali, and Bhramari make breathing more relaxed and efficient. Shavasana, Meditation, and Yoga Nidra improve cardiac performance and reduction in daily stress.

Fasting: – The body needs a break to repair itself, weekly one-day fasting helps to utilize the stored energy and cleanses the body.

Nature care: –

  • Mud pack: – Relaxes the mind and body.
  • Cold Hip bath: -Helps to reduce fat around the waist and controls high BP, Cholesterol, and sugar levels.
  • Neutral immersion bath with friction: – Helps to dilate the contracted vessels, reduces the viscosity of the blood, and improves circulation.
  • Cold Spinal Bath: – Reduces High BP and stimulates cardiac activity.
  • Oil Massage: -Helps to relax the person and improve circulation.
  • Full Wet Pack: – Helps with sweating and improves peripheral circulation.

Diet: –

  • Vitamin C: – Rich in citrus fruit and adequate intake helps slow the aging process and protects against spontaneous breaches in the capillary wall, leading to a heart attack.
    • Intake of Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium at the cell level. Potassium alone helps to get rid of excess sodium controlling B.P. A fruit like banana and avocado helps.
    • Arjuna: – Since ancient times, the bark of this tree was used for treating heart disease.
    • Garlic: – Controls CAD.
    • Honey: – Tones the heart and improves circulation, preventing palpitation.
    • Nuts: – Walnuts, and almonds which are high in calories, are required in a few numbers to help increase HDL.
    • Black grapes and pomegranate: – Phytochemicals present in these fruits are known to be heart-protective.
    • Green Tea: – Improves function of endothelial cells thereby reducing the risk of clogged arteries.
    • Control the portion of food by adding more vegetables.

Avoid: – Red meat, white flour, bakery products, butter, cheese, junk/fast/fried foods, smoking, and alcohol.

Namaste, Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Life