Description:
Hridaya Roga refers to a group of heart disorders resulting from Tridosha imbalance, primarily aggravated Vata and Kapha, which leads to poor circulation, arterial blockages, and irregular heart functions. It manifests as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, and fatigue, often worsened by improper diet, emotional stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on Srotoshodhana (channel cleansing), strengthening Ojas, and balancing Rasa Dhatu to ensure optimal cardiac function.
Signs & Symptoms:
Hrid-Shoola (Chest Pain): Deep, constricting pain in the chest, sometimes radiating to the left arm or jaw.
Shwasa (Breathlessness): Difficulty breathing, especially with exertion or while lying flat.
Hrid-Spandana (Palpitations): Irregular or rapid heartbeats, often associated with anxiety or exertion.
Murchha (Fainting): Sudden dizziness or loss of consciousness, often due to reduced heart function.
Kshamata (Fatigue): Tiredness even with minimal physical activity, reflecting poor oxygen delivery to tissues.
Gaurava (Heaviness in the Body): A feeling of heaviness in the chest, particularly during physical exertion.
Aruchi (Loss of Appetite): Reduced desire to eat, often accompanied by nausea or stomach discomfort.
Diagnosis:
Electrocardiogram (ECG) and 2D-Echo
Risk Factors:
1. Dietary Factors
High consumption of saturated fats, salt, and cholesterol-rich foods that increase the risk of heart disease.
Overeating or excessive alcohol intake that strains the heart and leads to elevated blood pressure.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, and obesity increase the risk of heart disease and related pain.
Chronic stress and emotional disturbances that elevate blood pressure and heart strain.
3. Medical Conditions
Hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are significant risk factors for heart disease and related disorders.
Family history of heart disease or cardiovascular events increases susceptibility.
Complications:
Heart Attack (Hridaya Vayama) – Long-term cardiovascular issues, such as hypertension or atherosclerosis, can lead to heart attacks due to blocked arteries.
Stroke (Shirogama Roga) – Persistent cardiovascular problems increase the risk of blood clots forming in the brain, leading to a stroke.
Heart Failure (Hridaya Kshaya) – Over time, heart disorders can lead to weakened heart function, causing heart failure and reduced ability to pump blood.
Arrhythmia (Hridaya-Vyatikara) – Cardiovascular diseases increase the likelihood of arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, which can be life-threatening.
Peripheral Artery Disease (Anga Roga) – Blocked or narrowed arteries in the limbs can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking due to reduced blood flow.
Epidemeology:
More common in individuals over 40, with the risk increasing with age.
Higher prevalence in men than women, although the risk for women increases post-menopause.
Affects approximately 17% of the global population, with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of death worldwide.
Higher rates in individuals with a family history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or obesity.