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Cardio-Vascular
Diseases
Hypertension
Hypertension (HBP) has become one of the commonest diseases, and
is a great danger to life. According to one survey, 20 per cent
of the adult population has the hypertension. The blood vessels
thicken, lose their elasticity and the heart has to pump harder
to maintain the blood circulation. Thus, it gets over-strained.
If the person is obese, the heart works under greater pressure.
High blood cholesterol and triglycerides are other sources of strain
on the heart. Consequently, with the arteries becoming narrower,
the blood supply to the heart gets reduced and result in heart attack
or cardiac arrest. Blood pressure varies according to age, sex,
muscular development, attitude etc. , though 120/80 mm/Hg is generally
taken as normal, in some cases 140/90 mm/Hg is also considered normal.
The lower the better. Some of the causes are - heredity, smoking,worry,
anxiety, obesity, mental or emotional stress, tension, alcohol and
taking too much salt and sugar and some unknown causes.
A balanced vegetarian diet with less salt, sugar and saturated fats,
relaxation, exercises/ Yoga and brisk walk help enormously. Avoid
smoking, tea, coffee, zarda, tobacco, and alcohol. Lose excess weight,
eat natural food (low in fats, salt and sugar) such as fruits, vegetables,
cereals, sprouts etc. and walk briskly for 40 to 60 minutes daily.
Salt is an enemy. Garlic is very good for lowering blood pressure.
Also drink plenty of water / juice ( 8 to 10 glasses) daily. A minimum
of 7-8 hours of good sleep and complete rest from official work
for one whole day in a week, besides occasional vacations are a
must. Different Yogic techniques can help reduce hypertension, especially
Shavasana, Chittashuddhi and Yoganidra which provide great relaxation
and helps reduce the high blood pressure.
Heart
Attack
Our heart is the most hard working organ of the body. It beats almost
a lakh times, pumping over 7,000 litres of blood everyday. It beats
at an average rate of 72 per minutes. The heart is truly a living
pump.
There are various types of heart diseases and the patient must consult
his cardiologist immediately if he feels any symptom. One common
cause of heart disease is Atherosclerosis which signifies thickening,
hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Major risk factors for
Atherosclerosis are - diabetes, mental tension, emotional stress,
hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, heredity, obesity, lack
of exercises, high uric acid level, alcohol consumption and eating
too much fat like ghee, butter, meat, etc.This can lead to angina,
heart attack, stroke and sudden death.
Atherosclerosis is often referred to in common language as ‘hardening
of the arteries’ and although this is an entirely inaccurate
way of describing what happens, ‘Narrowing of the arteries’
would be a better catch-phrase though this term also is less than
accurate. Atherosclerosis is the disease by which arteries gradually
accumulate fat deposits on their inner walls - thus reducing the
lumen ( width) through which blood flows. The foreign deposits which
adhere to the inner walls of the arteries are called "Atheromas’
or ‘Plaques.’
Fortunately
, the majority of risk factors in heart diseases are controllable.
You can modify your cholesterol, blood pressure, triglyceride, obesity
and diabetes simply by changing your diet. You can control or learn
to cope with stress, give up smoking and drinking alcohol, and start
a rational programme of daily physical activity. Well, some cynics
may ask, ‘What kind of life is that ? Why should I have to
invite so many restrictions?’ In fact, these measures can dramatically
improve your chances of avoiding Atherosclerosis related disease.
You can clean out your arteries, prevent death by Atherosclerosis,
and extend your active, productive years. You can eliminate your
risk factors, no matter how old you are, often in just a few weeks.
People who are doing this are happy and feel food, and are leading
busy and fulfilling lives. So take proper care of your heart. It
is in your hands.
Reduce fats, starch, salt, sugar and high proteins. Avoid smoking,
alcohol, meat, eggs, mental tension, stress and physical inactivity.
Keep your blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, uric acid and cholesterol
under control with the help of natural methods. It is never too
late to avoid /control these factors, even after a heart attack.
A very strict diet control must be maintained. Light protein and
roughage rich diet like soup, vegetables, fruits, sprouts, buttermilk,
juices, skimmed milk, and yoghurt should be taken. Bottlegourd (ghia)
is highly beneficial and should be taken liberally. Supper should
be early, very light and non-gas forming so that no complication
takes place at night and sound sleep is ensured.
Have a complete and thorough check up periodically and take prompt
follow up action.
Many doctors consider exercise and brisk walk as the most important
factors for survival. Regular and vigorous exercise is probably
the best preventive measure against a heart attack and stroke. Exercise
strengthens the heart. But before commencing, consult your physician
.
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