Abstract

ROLE OF DIET AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Dr. Vinita Pandey* and Dr. Suwarna D. Vyas

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Abstract

The 21st century we are living in, is the era of globalization and cut throat competition. We are running a rat race without realizing how badly it is affecting our health. It turns out that this sedentary-roboticlifestyle is now centering and attacking the Cardio Vascular System making us pay for all the negligence we have done on our part. Cardio Vascular Diseases are the leading cause of deaths worldwide accounting for 32% of all the deaths globally (2019). While much emphasis has been provided on the prevention of primary risk factors such as Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Central Obesity, the other triggering risk factors such as Stress has not been taken into optimum consideration. In Ayurveda, Hridaya is described as one of the three main Marmas. It is one among the ten Pranayatan, signifying the importance it holds. The careful application of preventive measures and treatment guidelines that include both diet (Aahar) and lifestyle regimen (Vihar) along with specific Ayurvedic therapies i.e. Palliative (Shaman), Panchkarma (Shodhan) and Sadvritta (good conduct) provided in the context of Hridroga can help minimizing the risks. Non pharmacological intervention such as Yoga and Pranayam has shown to produce better control over the Blood pressure in the patients of Hypertension and Arrhythmia. Here is an attempt for the prevention and management of Cardiovascular diseases that can be done by following the ‘Trilogy of Healthy Cardiac Living: CVS’ on an individual level. It focusses upon: controlling the unnecessary stress and workload (CControl), keeping a check on our diet (V-Vigilance) and systematizing our lifestyle (SSystematize) so as to bring a variation in the Quality of Life and prevent further damage to the Cardio Vascular System.

Keywords: Cardio Vascular Diseases, Blood Pressure, Lifestyle, Stress, Yoga, Pranayam.