Coronary artery – Can Ayurveda Help Prevent Heart Blockages Naturally?

Question

My father has been struggling with heart issues for the past few years, and now the doctors say he has significant blockages in his coronary artery. They are recommending surgery, but he’s terrified of undergoing an operation. He’s 62 years old, and although he has always been a little overweight, he never had any major health issues until now.

The doctor explained that plaque buildup in the coronary artery is causing the blockage, reducing blood flow to the heart. He often complains of chest pain, especially when walking or climbing stairs, and sometimes he even feels short of breath while just sitting. The doctors want to put in a stent, but my father is asking if there’s any way to dissolve the blockage naturally.

I started researching Ayurveda and found that there are herbal treatments that claim to cleanse the coronary artery and improve blood circulation. But do these actually work? Can diet and Ayurvedic remedies reverse plaque buildup, or is surgery the only option at this stage?

Also, are there specific Ayurvedic oils, herbal decoctions, or dietary changes that can strengthen the heart and prevent future blockages in the coronary artery? If anyone has tried Ayurveda for heart health, I’d love to hear your experiences.

Is there still hope for my father to manage his heart condition naturally, or are we wasting valuable time trying to avoid surgery?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Coronary artery blockages occur due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), inflammation, and poor circulation, all of which can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, and stress. While severe blockages often require medical intervention like angioplasty or bypass surgery, Ayurveda can play a crucial role in slowing progression, improving circulation, and strengthening the heart. Your father’s symptoms—chest pain, breathlessness, and fatigue—suggest reduced oxygen supply to the heart, making it essential to take action immediately.

Ayurvedic remedies that support heart health and arterial cleansing include Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), and Garlic (Lahsun). Arjuna bark powder (1 tsp with warm water or milk daily) strengthens the heart muscles and improves circulation, while Garlic (raw or in capsule form) helps reduce cholesterol and prevent further plaque buildup. Guggul is a powerful herb known to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and support arterial health. Ayurvedic detox therapies like Panchakarma, specifically Virechana (therapeutic purgation), help remove excess toxins (Ama) that contribute to arterial stiffness.

Diet plays a major role in managing heart disease naturally. Encourage your father to adopt a Satvik diet with warm, easily digestible foods like cooked vegetables, lentils, whole grains, nuts (especially walnuts and almonds), and heart-healthy spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. He should avoid fried, processed, and heavy dairy-based foods that can worsen arterial plaque. Daily gentle exercise, Pranayama (Anulom Vilom and Bhramari breathing), and stress management through meditation can significantly improve heart function. While Ayurveda can support and strengthen the heart, if the blockage is critical, medical intervention may be necessary. It’s best to integrate both modern and Ayurvedic approaches for a well-rounded strategy in managing his condition.

Coronary artery – Can Ayurveda Help Prevent Heart Blockages Naturally? - #15965

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