Why Doctors Recommend ECG & TMT Test? Best Options in Ayurveda to Improve Heart Function
Abstract
This is a common process that we go to the doctor for our health issues and the doctor recommends us a few tests of various degrees. According to our condition the doctor recommends blood tests and imaging procedures to diagnose the condition. Therefore, depending on the fault of the test doctor makes a diagnosis and manages the condition accordingly. In the following article we shall discuss why doctors recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG) and treadmill test (TMT). And we shall also see how one can increase and improve functioning of the heart using herbs and other Ayurvedic procedures. Let’s discuss!!
Introduction
Why has my Doctor recommended me for an ECG and TMT test? What options in Ayurveda do we have to improve heart function?
Many times a person falls sick and is rushed to the doctor’s clinic or hospital. On approaching the doctor, the doctor sees and listens to the patient before any management action. Depending upon the complaints of the patient, the doctor advises or recommends the patient a few tests. When patients complain about some of the symptoms that can be directly linked to heart health. Stress, high blood pressure, obesity and increased cholesterol levels are some risk factors that can lead to cardiac problems. There are some tests that we are going to discuss here in this article such as Echocardiogram and Treadmill Test. why these tests are done and how can one improve the functioning of the heart. Let’s see!!
Treadmill Test
It is an exercise stress test used to check if the heart receives enough oxygen during exercise or when the heart needs it the most. Usually it is recommended in people suffering from chest pains or signs and symptoms of heart conditions such as coronary heart disease. However there are a few risks like chest pain, fainting, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, collapsing etc. This test is usually done under medical supervision. During the test blood pressure and echocardiogram is done along with the information, the doctor makes a diagnosis of the condition. And take further action according to the diagnosis evaluated.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram is used to monitor electric activity and rhythm of the heart. The test is used to diagnose a number of heart conditions. An ECG helps in detecting coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart attacks. An ECG is a fast, painless and safe procedure and does not cause any risk. An ECG can be recommended when facing a problem such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath etc.
Ayurvedic Concept Of Heart Health
In Ayurveda, Vyana vayu, which is a subtype of vata dosha is responsible for the movement of the heart such as pumping the blood and regulating the blood circulation. Avlambaka kapha which is a subtype of kapha dosha is responsible for nourishing, protecting and lubricating the heart. Therefore, when any of the dosha gets vitiated or imbalance cardiac conditions are likely to occur. In modern days, sedentary lifestyle and alcoholism, smoking and junk food are adding to the accumulation of the toxins in the body. These accumulated toxins lead to dosha imbalance. Inflammations in the body caused by imbalance of pitta dosha. Vata dosha vitiation responds as symptoms of the nervous system such as hypertension and palpitations. Pitta dosha vitiation leads to irritation and anger making the heart condition.
As we have seen both the tests are recommended to check the functioning of the heart. So it is important to strengthen the heart with some herbal formulas.
1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Arjuna is useful in congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic stable angina
Formulations available: Arjunarishta, arjun ghrita, kukubhadi churna
2. Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa)
It is a beneficial herb for the heart as it provides strength to the cardiac muscles. It also alleviates pain related to the heart and it is helpful in the condition of angina pectoris.
Formulations available : Puskaradi churna, pushkarmooladi churna
3. Bala (Sida cordifolia)
As the name of the herb suggests it provides strength to the overall body. It provides strength to the heart. And it is useful in weakness of the heart where the heart pumps inefficiently.
Formulations available : Baladi kwath, baladya ghrita, baladyarishta
4. Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Due to the hot potency of the herb, it is good for the heart and also possesses anti inflammatory activity. Moreover it also cleanses blood and removes toxins.
Formulations available : Rasnadi kwath, aadrakhnad, shunthisura, sobhagya shunthi.
5. Pippali (Piper longum)
Pippali is useful in blood disorders and it also cleanses blood from impurities. It increases the blood as well.
Formulations available : Gudpippali, pipplikhand, pippalayasava
6. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Being a rasayana it rejuvenates the body cell as well as provides power to fight certain conditions. It is used in blood disorders and removes toxins as well. This ultimately results in betterment of the heart.
Formulations available : Yashtimadyadi churna, yashtimadhuadya kwath
7. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Haritaki is a rasayana herb. It benefits every system of the body. It possesses antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It provides energy and strength to the heart muscles and helps the heart to function well.
Formulations available : Abhyamodak, abhyarisht, haritaki khand etc
8. Dashmoola
Dashmoola possess hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic, antiplatelet and thrombolytic activities which play an important role in the management of cardio-vascular and cerebrovascular disorders.
Formulations available : Dashmoolarishta, dashmoola kwath etc
9. Suryanamaskar
Suryanamaskar is also regarded as a preventive measure of cardiovascular disease.
Procedures For Better Heart
Shodhan chikitsa is considered efficient to eliminate toxins and dosha pacification. It is known as panchkarma (set of five efficient procedures). Panchakarma is beneficial in managing a number of conditions including stress, obesity, high blood pressure and other risk factors for development of heart problems.
1. Urovasti
In the procedure of urovasti, warm medicated oil is poured into the trough made of flour of black lentils on the chest. This warm medicated oil is kept for around 30 to 40 minutes. This strengthens the organs of the chest including cardiac muscles. Furthermore, it improves blood circulation. The procedure is effective in cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease, respiratory problems and chest pain.
2. Abhyanga
Abhyanga nourishes the body and skin and improves blood circulation and therefore impacts the heart for this action which ultimately results in stimulating the heart for better.
3. Pizchil
It is an effective and relaxing procedure which has the benefits of snahana and swedana. A stream of warm medicated oil is poured on the body. This is done with light massage. Warmness loosens the toxins (ama). This is followed by covering the body with a blanket for some time and then hot water bath is indicated. Pizchil is effective in high blood pressure, hypertension, coronary artery disease and other problems that are relatable with heart health.
4. Shirodhara
It is a relaxing procedure in which a constant stream of medicated oil or liquid flows on the head. It is known to soothe the nervous system. This procedure is extremely helpful in insomnia, psychological disorders, anxiety disorders and cardiac problems such as hypertension etc.
5. Virechana
The procedure is done to expel the vitiated dosha. By the procedure dosha get eliminated from the anal route using purgtive herbal medicines. Virechan generally eliminates the pitta dosha which is already directed to the gastrointestinal system by snaehana (oleation) and swedana (induced perspiration). The procedure decreases weight and enhances metabolism and removes toxins build ups in the arteries and veins which results in regaining the elasticity of the blood vessels. Hence helping in better flow of blood to the heart.
Conclusion
With the sedentary lifestyle and consumption of junk and not so good food, the general condition of a person has been deteriorating. This type of life spending, which is detrimental for the health and wellness, has led to the appearance of various types of symptoms which are quite problematic if not managed or treated timely. We have seen when someone faces features such as chest pain and shortness of breath, the doctor advises or recommends an ECG and TMT or other tests to check the wellness or the health of the heart. Therefore, according to the abnormality detected, the doctor manages the condition accordingly. We have already seen what are the herbs and procedures available in the traditional system of medicines. These herbal medications and panchakarma methods are beneficial for the proper functioning and strengthening of the heart. Therefore, if a person is willing to live a life free of any heart ailments, then one should opt for Ayurveda and procedures mentioned above. One should also pay attention towards the type of diet consumption. Furthermore, keeping the heart healthy is in one’s hand. Let’s choose what is better for the heart. Let’s choose Ayurveda!!
January 28, 2019
How to Treat Cardiac Diseases in Ayurveda?
What is a cardiac disease?
As per Modern Aspect:
Cardiac disease refers to a number of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. There is a blockage in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart which leads to the decrease in blood flow to the heart muscle. It includes myocardial infarction and angina, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, venous thrombosis.
It is also referred to as Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD).
As per Ayurveda aspect:
- In Ayurveda, cardiac diseases are correlated with Hrida roga.
- It is of five types: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, tridosha, and krimija hrida roga.
- Causes of Hrida Roga are Tikshna Ahara (pungent diet), vyayama (excessive exercise) that leads to Dhamani Praticaya (thickening of arteries), Dhamani Kathinaya (hardening of arteries).
What are the Causes of Cardiac Diseases?
Several causes are:
- High blood pressure
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Overweight
- High Cholesterol
- Depression
What are the Symptoms of Cardiac Diseases?
Symptoms include:
- Symptoms may differ in men and women.
- Men are likely to have chest pain and women are likely to have other symptoms include Chest discomfort, pain, and pressure.
Other symptoms are:
- Numbness especially in upper limbs
- Pain in neck, throat and upper abdomen
- Difficulty in breathing
- Feeble pulse
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
How to Treat Cardiac Diseases in Ayurveda?
Here are some herbal remedies for cardiac diseases:
Cinnamon:
- It is the best herb used in Ayurveda. It has powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols that has an antioxidant property which protects the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It reduces the LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides and helps in inhibiting the release of inflammatory fatty acids from the platelet membranes that keep the blood flow properly.
Step to follow:
- Consume 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder once daily.
- Add this in a cup of warm herbal tea.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is the best natural herb that contains a compound called as curcumin that has an anti-inflammatory property. It controls the inflammation that leads to cardiac diseases. It increases the circulation of blood and also prevents from blood clotting. It lowers the level of cholesterol and is the effective Ayurvedic treatment of cardiac diseases.
Steps to follow:
- Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of boiling milk.
- Drink it daily.
Ginger:
It is an Ayurvedic herb that contains a compound called as gingerol with natural blood thinning property. It also lowers the LDL cholesterol level and reduces the plasma cholesterol. It also helps in relaxing blood vessels and stimulates the blood flow.
Steps to follow:
- Add ginger in a cup of tea. Drink it twice or thrice in a day.
- Add fresh ginger to vegetables, fruits, and salad.
Green Tea:
Green tea contains antioxidants and flavonoids that keeps the heart healthy and improves the function of blood vessels. It also helps in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides level.
Steps to follow:
- Drink 2 cups daily for better health.
Coriander:
Coriander has a hypolipidemic action that reduces the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It has an antioxidant property that is good for heart health.
Steps to follow:
- Add a teaspoon of coriander powder in a cup of boiling water and strain it.
- Drink it daily.
Garlic:
- Garlic is a very useful and effective herb in enhancing mental as well as physical health. It is useful in treating several human diseases such as cardiac diseases in which it inhibits the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
- It has antithrombotic and anti-platelet property. It helps in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering the levels of total cholesterol. It is an effective Ayurvedic treatment for cardiac diseases.
Steps to follow:
- Chew 1-2 fresh crushed garlic daily.
Hibiscus:
- Extract of hibiscus flower helps in lowering the blood pressure and levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. It improves heart health
Steps to follow:
- Drink this tea 2-3 times daily.
Fenugreek:
- Fenugreek is an effective ayurvedic herb that promotes the health of the heart. It prevents from the symptoms associated with heart diseases such as numbness in upper limbs, pain, and difficulty in breathing and also prevents from the heart attack.
Steps to follow:
- Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds for about 7-8 hours and then drain to drink it.
Arjuna:
- Arjuna is an effective natural herb that works as a cardio-tonic and further strengthens the cardiac muscles to lower the blood pressure. It is very effective in lowering the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fats. It provides nourishment to the heart muscle and alleviates heart problems.
Step to follow:
- Add one teaspoon of Arjuna powder in a glass of warm water.
- Add a little honey to it.
- Drink it daily.
Exercise:
- Regular exercise keeps the heart healthy and lowers the risk of heart diseases. A person who is physically active has a less chance of a heart attack and in case of if they get a heart attack, they will have a better chance of recovery.
- It also helps in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels and reduces the body weight and keep the person totally fit. Include some other outdoor games such as swimming, walking, biking etc.
Healthy Body Weight:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight will keep the heart healthy. It helps in lowering the cholesterol and triglycerides levels and reduces the chances of heart attack or stroke.
- It helps in maintaining the lipid profile of the body and reduces the other symptoms that include numbness in the upper limbs, fatigue, fainting etc
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