The Silent Truth About Heart Disease: Beyond Diet and Exercise [Part 1]

By Dr. Shaji Raj, BAMS Founder & Chief Physician, Punarjanis Life Sciences

The Myth of “Perfect” Heart Health

In my decades of clinical practice at Punarjanis Life Sciences, I have encountered countless patients who followed strict diets, exercised daily, and maintained ideal body weight—yet still suffered heart attacks. This shatters the common misconception that heart disease is solely a result of poor lifestyle choices.
The reality? Heart disease is a silent, multifactorial disorder that develops over years, often without obvious symptoms. Routine tests like ECGs, lipid profiles, and even stress tests can miss critical warning signs. True prevention requires a deeper, personalized approach—one that combines modern diagnostics with Ayurvedic wisdom.

The Three Hidden Truths of Heart Disease

1. Atherosclerosis: The Invisible Killer

What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty plaques (cholesterol, calcium, and inflammatory cells) inside artery walls. Over time, these plaques harden, narrow blood vessels, and can suddenly rupture—leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Why Standard Tests Fail to Detect It

• Treadmill tests only detect blockages that obstruct >70% of blood flow.
• Routine blood tests (like LDL cholesterol) do not measure plaque formation.
• Many patients with “normal” reports later discover severe blockages.

The Solution: Advanced Imaging

At Punarjanis, we recommend:

• Calcium Scoring (Heart CT Scan) – Measures calcified plaque (a strong predictor of heart attack risk).
• CT Coronary Angiogram – Visualizes both calcified and soft plaques missed by traditional tests.
• Carotid Artery Ultrasound – Checks for early atherosclerosis in neck arteries (linked to heart and brain risks).

Ayurvedic Insight:

In Ayurveda, atherosclerosis aligns with “Srotorodha” (blocked channels) caused by Ama (toxins) and Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) imbalance. Herbs like Guggulu, Arjuna, and Triphala help cleanse these channels.

2. Chronic Inflammation: The Silent Accelerator

What Fuels Inflammation in Blood Vessels?

Even with a perfect diet, these factors keep your arteries inflamed:

• Poor Sleep (Less Than 6-7 Hours): Disrupts cortisol and repair mechanisms.
• Chronic Stress & Depression: Increases C-reactive protein (HSCRP), a key inflammation marker.
• Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, damaging arteries.

The Ayurvedic Connection

Ayurveda describes inflammation as “Pitta-Kapha imbalance“, where excess heat (Pitta) and stagnation (Kapha) lead to Ama (toxins).

• Stress Management: Meditation, Ashwagandha, and Brahmi balance cortisol.
• Oral Health: Oil pulling (Gandusha) with sesame oil reduces harmful bacteria.
• Sleep Therapy: Vata-balancing herbs (Tagar, Jatamansi) promote deep sleep.

Modern Validation:

Research confirms that high HSCRP levels triple heart attack risk—even in people with normal cholesterol.

3. Genetic Risks: The Uncontrollable Factor

Lipoprotein(A) – The Hidden Cholesterol Threat

• Lipoprotein(A) is a sticky, inflammatory cholesterol variant not detected in standard lipid tests.
• If your parents/grandparents had early heart disease, you likely carry this risk.
• No amount of diet or exercise lowers Lp(a)—it requires specialized treatment.

Other Inherited Risks

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH): Extremely high LDL from birth.
• Blood Clotting Disorders (e.g., Factor V Leiden): Increases stroke risk.

Ayurvedic Support for Genetic Risks

While we cannot change genes, Ayurveda offers “Beeja Dushti Chikitsa” (genetic detox) through:

• Panchakarma (Virechana, Basti) – Removes deep-seated toxins.
• Rasayana Therapy – Strengthens blood vessels.

The Punarjanis Approach: Personalized Heart Protection

Step 1: Advanced Testing We go beyond basic checkups with:

• Calcium Scoring CT scan
• Lipoprotein(A) & HSCRP Blood Tests
• Genetic Risk Assessment (if family history exists)

Step 2: Customized Prevention Plans

• For High Calcium Score:
• Ayurvedic herbs & Arka medicines
• Anti-inflammatory diet

For High Lipoprotein(A) : Njavara Kizhi (Ayurvedic therapy)

• For Chronic Stress/Poor Sleep:
• Shirodhara, Meditation, and Vata-balancing diet

Step 3: Long-Term Monitoring
Heart disease evolves silently.

We recommend:

• Annual Calcium Scans (if initial score >0)
• Quarterly HSCRP Checks (if inflammation is high)
• The Take away: Heart Health is More Than Just Diet & Exercise
• Your heart’s well-being depends on:
• ✔ Hidden plaque buildup (Atherosclerosis)
• ✔ Silent inflammation (Stress, Sleep, Dental Health)
• ✔ Genetic risks Lipoprotein(A), (Family History)

At Punarjanis Life Sciences, we merge modern diagnostics with Ayurveda to create tailored, science-backed prevention plans.

Don’t wait for symptoms—act now.

Visit us at Punarjanis Life Sciences, Chennai

For appointments, call: +91 95000 01177

Website: www.punarjanis.com

Email: info@punarjanis.com

“A healthy heart isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better.” – Dr. Shaji Raj