Ayurvedic Dietary and Lifestyle Interventions for Prevention of Hridroga and Cardiovascular Disorders: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: According to World Health Organization statistics, an estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2016. Looking at the menace of CVDs, the concept of prevention of disease has turned eyes toward Ayurveda. Ayurveda has a defined opinion regarding the diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system, with their prevention and management methods. Objectives: The present write-up aims to provide insight into the concept of prevention of hridroga (CVDs) through dietary and lifestyle modifications according to Ayurveda. Methodology: Ayurvedic classics, textbooks of clinical medicine, scientific journals, and publications were reviewed to carry out the present work. Discussion: The etiological factors of hridroga revolve around dietary intake and the way of living in one’s life. Hridaya being the moola of rasavaha-Srotas, the vitiated rasa creates a Badha (interruption) in the Hridaya, hence hridroga manifests. The mentioned Ayurvedic features, such as hridklama, hridshodha, hriddrava, nirmathyate, toda, stabdha, sweda moorcha, are the same as those of CVDs. Hence, an integrative approach is needed to manage and prevent people from hridroga in today’s age of sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary practices. Maintaining a proper state of agni and dhatuparinaman is essential for maintaining the health of the heart in toto. Ayurvedic concepts of hridroga are quite similar to those of modern medicine, and they play a pivotal role in its management and prevention at the clinical level. Conclusion: Hence, dietary and lifestyle modifications prove to be of great help in preventing hridroga and maintaining the longevity and health of an individual.