Heart Failure in Ayurveda

Heart failure is a common condition in which the heart does not pump/produce enough blood needed for the body. There are different cases where the blood is not supplied efficiently to the heart or to the rest of the body, sometimes they can occur together. The heart is affected on the right side, left side or in many cases both sides. If affected on the right side of the heart, then the blood flow is not pumping to allow oxygen to the lungs. If affected on the left side of the heart, then the blood is not be transferred to the rest of the body.

Symptoms: fluid build up in ankles, abdomen, legs, liver and neck, overall weakness/fatigue, loss of breath, chest pain. Other diseases greatly increase your chances of heart failure as well such as: genetics, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary disease, high cholesterol, stress, too much physical exertion . This can result in death, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Over time if your heart is under a lot of stress it naturally changes shape and it can become much worse if not treated properly. There is no cure for anything 100%, there are always chances of illnesses and diseases re-occuring. Ayurveda teaches one to become balanced and increase longer life. This is with a regulated healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, surroundings, exercise, meditation etc. With these many routines, one slowly learns to become balanced and one with god which is the best remedy for the body and soul.

Tips: Take a multivitamin, antioxidants, eat healthy fresh foods, fruits, veggies
*Avoid frozen, canned and processed foods
*Exercise is vital, yoga postures are the best to perform(there are certain asanas just to stimulate the heart muscles and blood flow).
*Avoid drugs, smoking & alcohol
*Do a body detox from time to time to excrete the body of wastes and toxins
*Doing meditation before bed to activate the chakaras is important, especially the heart(Anahata) chakara. When your chakaras are opened, it transfers energy through the body from a spiritual side into the physical body.
*Eat healthy. Eating healthier is important to reduce arteries from becoming clogged or from hardening
*Try to keep your stress level as minimal as possible
* Amla is good as an antioxidant and nourishing to the heart muscles, immune system builder, cleansing of radicals which cause damage. In combination with the arjuna, ashwagandha, baba, haldhi, kutki is great for cardiac disorders associated with hypofunction(low functioning).

Rita