Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD), also known as myocardial ischemia, is a serious heart condition in which the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. This generally happens because the arteries which deliver blood to the heart (coronary arteries) get narrowed or blocked. This blockage is often caused by buildup of plaque - a layer of fat, cholesterol and other substances.
This condition can manifest as anterior ischemia, where the front part of the heart is affected or inferior ischemia, where the lower portion of the heart is damaged. Another name for this condition is coronary ischemia, which describes problems within the coronary arteries themselves.
The main symptoms of Ischaemic heart disease consist of chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, exhaustion, and at times excessive sweating and palpitations. The difference between ischemia vs infarction should be noted: Ischemia describes a condition where the heart muscle lacks enough oxygen but is still alive, while an infarction (heart attack) occurs when a part of the heart muscle dies from a total lack of blood.
Understanding what ischemia is and early recognition of these symptoms can be important for timely treatment. In more severe situations like mesenteric ischemia, which affects the intestines or when an unexpected blockage causes a heart attack, urgent medical attention is necessary to stay away from more severe complications and improve survival chances.
Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) occurs when blood supply to the heart is disrupted, leading to a shortage of oxygen to the heart muscle. This condition may be caused by several factors that restrict blood flow through the coronary arteries.
The most common reasons for Ischaemic Heart Disease are:
Arteriosclerosis: This condition involves the thickening and hardening of the artery walls. Over time, this can lead to narrowing of the arteries and reduced blood flow.
Buildup of Plaque: Plaque containing fat, cholesterol, along with other substances may build up on the inner walls of arteries. This buildup is called atherosclerosis and is a major reason for coronary ischemia.
Blood Clots: Sometimes, a plaque ruptures and forms a blood clot. These clots might clog the artery entirely and cause acute myocardial ischemia or a heart attack.
Coronary Artery Spasm: This is temporary tightening of the muscles inside the artery walls. Though not as common, this can impede or stop blood flow to a part of the heart muscle.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, insufficient exercise, and smoking could all lead to arteriosclerosis and subsequently ischemia.
Other Medical Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are major risk factors which could result in ischemia by damaging the arteries or encouraging plaque buildup.
Ischaemic Heart Disease often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Recognising the Ischaemic Heart Disease symptoms early may facilitate prompt treatment and better health outcomes. Listening to your body's signals early can help you recognise this condition.
The most noticeable Ischaemic Heart Disease symptoms are:
The most common IHD symptom is pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest referred to as angina. It is usually triggered by physical activity or stress and may be relieved by rest.
If your heart can not pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, you might end up feeling breathless doing everyday activities that you could once perform effortlessly.
Feeling unusually tired all the time may indicate poor blood flow to your heart.
Breaking out in a cold sweat with no obvious cause could be another symptom of Ischaemic heart disease.
Unusual heart rhythms or the feeling your heart is racing may occur when the heart is not getting enough blood.
These symptoms could be seen if the heart can't pump sufficient blood to various parts of the body, including the brain.
Fluid build up in the foot, legs, ankles, or abdomen might mean that your heart isn’t pumping effectively.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Ischaemic Heart Disease using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically formulated blends that help to rebalance the body and support emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness-Practices: These calming techniques are intended to improve your mental and overall well being.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma and various types of massages cleanse the body and promote emotional balance.
Dietary & Lifestyle Modifications: Expert suggestions on how to modify your lifestyle and dietary habits to improve your health.
Ayurveda offers many herbal medications for managing Ischaemic heart Disease, which is usually caused by an imbalance in the oxygen supply to the heart’s muscle due to blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries. These Ayurvedic medicines help by strengthening the heart, increasing blood circulation and clearing blockages in arteries.
Below are some Ayurvedic medicines that have been proven to manage Ischaemic Heart Disease symptoms:
Guggul (Commiphora Wightii): This Ayurvedic resin is traditionally used to control cholesterol and thus prevent and manage arteriosclerosis that can lead to Ischaemic conditions.
Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna): Arjuna is among the most potent heart tonics in Ayurvedic treatment. It is known to lower cholesterol and arterial plaque.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): This herb is renowned for its anti-stress properties, which reduces blood pressure and also prevents stress related damage to the heart. Ashwagandha also strengthens cardiac muscle function.
Akikpishti: This is prepared from Akik stone (agate gemstone), Aloe Vera juice, rose water and cow milk to address irregular heartbeats and hypertension.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): Often used to improve mental functioning, Brahmi is also believed to benefit the heart by increasing blood flow and reducing anxiety and stress symptoms that worsen heart conditions.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum): Cinnamon is known to lower blood glucose and lipid levels.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Fenugreek seeds have antioxidant properties which can help lower cholesterol.
Garlic (Allium Sativum): Garlic is known in Ayurveda to prevent heart disease and decrease plaque buildup in the arteries.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and in reducing heart damage.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale): It helps lower cholesterol and improve blood circulation.
Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia Serpentina): This herb is used for its calming effects and in managing high blood pressure.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): Brahmi supports cognitive functions and stress response, indirectly improving heart health.
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica): Gotu Kola is known in Ayurveda to improve circulation and maintain venous integrity. It is used in Ayurveda as a treatment for venous insufficiency, benefitting heart health.
The first indication of IHD is generally discomfort or chest pain which feels similar to a tightness, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the chest area for a few minutes.
Yes, early detection is possible with regular check-ups with an Ayurvedic practitioner, who can identify abnormalities in the coronary artery based on holistic assessment.
According to Ayurveda, Ischaemic Heart Disease is an imbalance in the heart energy which manifests as physical symptoms. Ayurveda recommends lifestyle and dietary changes to restore balance and support heart health.
A low fat and cholesterol diet, with plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts is advised. Anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric and ginger are also encouraged in Ayurveda.
Yes, gentle exercises and yoga can help with stress reduction, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation.
Yes. Stress is a leading cause for heart diseases and managing it through meditation, yoga and Ayurvedic practices such as Abhyanga (oil massage) can lower risk factors.
Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep are essential to heart health.
Ayurveda offers herbal treatments like Arjuna and Guggul that help to lower plaque buildup in the arteries and improve heart function.
By addressing the underlying cause of the disease, Ayurveda can help manage and reverse the symptoms of heart disease with consistent treatment.
Ayurvedic herbs that are recommended for strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation are Arjuna, Brahmi, Gotu Kola and Ashwagandha.
Regular consultations every 2-3 months can be beneficial, along with routine check-ups to monitor heart health and adjust treatments as necessary.
