How to know I have heart issues - #19131

Understanding discomfort when it seems like all the tests come back normal can be really frustrating. Let's dig into how Ayurveda sees the heart and what might be at play here. The heart, or "Hridaya" in Ayurveda, is particularly influenced by the Sadhaka Pitta, a subtype of Pitta dosha responsible for emotions and processing experiences. It's a key player with our mind & heart, and imbalances can often cause unexplained discomfort. Your story here, with a history of smoking and drinking, plus a desk job lifestyle, can lead to accumulation of Ama (toxins) and a weakening of digestive fire, Agni. Even if you've been leading a healthier lifestyle recently, those past habits could still be playing a role. The discomfort you feel might be more related to stress, emotions or maybe even improper digestion rather than structural heart issues. Ayurveda considers that gut health can affect heart health significantly. Here's what I'd suggest. Try to build a routine that's light on Kapha but supportive to Pitta and Vata, because, it sounds like there's some stagna...tion, perhaps with Ama, or emotional heat playing a role: 1. Diet can help balance. Favor a Kapha-pacifying diet with warming, light, and easy-to-digest foods. Think about using spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon more frequently. They help in stimulating digestion and clearing Ama. 2. Good to maintain the exercise routine but try daily now, even light ones if possible. A mix of brisk walks & yoga can help. Surya Namaskar could be beneficial. 3. Stress management – since heart disease in Ayurveda can be linked with unresolved emotions. Practices like meditation or learning Pranayama (breathing exercises), such as Anulom Vilom could help balance and calm your mind. 4. Focus on eating your largest meal when the sun is at its peak, around midday, to aid in digestion. These are introductory ideas, but seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner might help tailor recommendations directly to you. If discomfort persists or worsens though, seeking further medical evalutation is important. Remember, Ayurveda works best in conjunction with, not a substitute for, conventional medical advice.