Hridroga or Heart Diseases

Hridaya or hrudaya is heart and roga is disease. Hridroga or hrudroga is a disease that affects heart.

Hridroga or heart diseases today attack people of all cultures. Previously thought of as a problem of developed world, heart diseases are now common in developing and underdeveloped countries.

There are different factors involved in the cause of hridroga. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol deposition on the walls of blood vessels etc are the main reasons of hridroga. Hereditary or genetic factors too play an important role in the development of heart diseases.

According to Ayurveda Acharyas like Charaka, heart is the seat of consciousness and emotions. Negative emotions weaken heart while positive emotions strengthen it.

The functioning of all other organs of the body and the working of mind and soul depends on the healthy state of heart.

According to Ayurvedic principles, a person becomes unhealthy whenever his or her aahar (food) or vihar (lifestyle) becomes unhealthy. Vyamam or physical exercise and yoga meditation are necessary for well being of heart, body, mind and soul. It is only when the body, mind and soul are in perfect harmony that we can say the person is healthy.

The stressful lifestyle, relative lack of physical activity, taking of high calorie-low nutrient food, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc cause heart diseases more prevalent.

There are a few simple techniques that you can follow to prevent heart diseases.

• Early to bed and early to rise makes a man –and woman– healthy wealthy and wise. If you are a late to bed and late to morning type, try to be healthy, wealthy and wise - just for a change and enjoy the benefits.



• Practice yoga or exercise daily. A brisk walk of 30 minutes in the morning has its benefits on your body and heart. Take light exercise for longer periods than taking heavy exercises for a short burst.



• Laugh a lot. True. Laughter is a good medicine for heart. It relaxes body muscles and produce hormones that are good to body while reducing production of stress hormones like adrenaline.



• Meditate daily. This will help you pacify your mind, which will reduce blood pressure. It is good for your heart too.



• Treat others with love and care. If you don’t care to love humans, treat your pet animals or birds with love and care. It removes unwanted pressure from your mind. You will eventually understand the benefits of filling your heart with love and affection instead of anger, hatred, stress and pain.



• Follow a vegetarian diet. Human digestive tract is evolved to receive vegetarian food.



• Avoid packaged food, canned food, preserved food items. Substitute them with fresh fruits.

OK you know (from eternity), prevention is better than cure. When it comes to preventing heart diseases, prevention becomes sweeter too.