Ayurvedic approaches for the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease: Moving from theory to clinical practice

• Author Details:   
• S Kar
• Ashok Kumar Panda ^*

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The incidence and mortality rates of coronary artery disease (CAD) are rising in India, with a significant shift towards younger population in between the age of 30 to 60 years. Ayurveda classical texts described Hrudroga (heart disease) and Hrudshoola (angina) as a sudden, sharp pain occurring in the heart region based on tridosha theory. Actually hrudshoola (Angina) is a symptom of CAD and Vata, Kapha and Meda dhatu (adipose tissue) involved in pathogenesis of CAD. Hridya mohakasaya of Charak Samhita was ignored and the food, beverage, fruits and vegetables described in Ayurveda were remains as theory for practitioners. The most used Ayurvedic bio active molecules of cardiac medical plants like- Arjuna, Lasuna, Sarpagandha, Daruharidra, Garcinia, Curcumin etc are cardioprotective in terms of Pharmacological study and clinical trials for CAD. The Ayurveda formulations described different texts were in ambiguous practice in past. The patients were also generally hesitant to seek heart disease treatment from Vaidyas, Ayurvedic physicians were only focused on classical theoretical knowledge rather than modern understanding of heart diseases and clinical practice. In recent times, Ayurvedic medicines are gaining attention as potential adjunct therapies, particularly for their roles in alleviating angina, offering lipid-lowering effects, and providing anti-thrombotic benefits. These therapeutic approaches could complement to standard treatments, potentially enhancing symptom relief and improving overall survival outcomes of CAD. Ayurveda can also independently reverse coronary architecture of stable angina, completely eliminate the need for preventive modern medications in some cases. Arjuna (Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) preparations are found best in CAD. So Ayurvedic strategies for the prevention and management of coronary artery disease (CAD) have transitioned from classical theoretical foundations to implementation in clinical settings, but more enthusiastic and dedicated Ayurveda scholars should come forward to create more evidences.