What is Coronary artery disease

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE Meaning

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease.¹ In India, over one fifth deaths occur due to CAD.  There are an estimated 45 million CAD patients in India. An increasing number of young Indians are falling prey to it.²

 CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to buildup of cholesterol and other material, on their inner walls. As these deposits continue to grow, less blood can flow through the arteries causing less blood and oxygen reaching the heart muscles. This can lead to chest pain or heart attack. Over a period of time, CAD weaken heart muscles and contribute to heart failure or arrhythmias (abnormal beating of heart).¹

CAD may be considered as Krimija hrida roga in Ayurveda. A person who has heart disease due to vitiation of all three doshas (tridoshaja) and he consumes food rich in sesame (til oil) oil, milk and its products, and high sugar products avoiding physical activity may develop the condition. These outgrowths liquefy in blood and gives rise to growth of various worms that eventually eat up the heart. ³

Ayurved scholars have also mentioned that diet, lifestyle and psychological factors like anger and emotion are causative agents of CAD and patients who are diagnosed or wants to prevent coronary artery disease should keep a check on all these factors.²