The Silent Truth About Heart Disease: Beyond Diet and Exercise [Part 2]

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

Case Study: The 40-Year-Old Athlete with a 90% Blockage – Despite “Normal” Tests

Patient Profile:

• Age: 40
• Gender: Male
• Lifestyle: Marathon runner, vegetarian diet, non-smoker, no alcohol
• Symptoms: Occasional chest tightness during intense runs (dismissed as acid reflux)
• Medical History: Father had a heart attack at 52

The Shocking Discovery

Initial Tests (All “Normal”)

1.Treadmill Stress Test: No ECG abnormalities even at peak exertion.

2.Lipid Profile:

• oTotal Cholesterol: 180 mg/dL (Normal)
• oLDL: 100 mg/dL (Optimal)
• oHDL: 60 mg/dL (Excellent).

3.Echocardiogram: Normal heart function.

Conclusion by his doctor: “You’re in perfect health—just take antacids for the chest discomfort.”

What Was Missed?

• Silent Plaque Buildup: His arteries were narrowing, but the blockage wasn’t severe enough to show on a stress test.
• Inflammation: Years of intense training + chronic work stress raised his HSCRP (3.8 mg/L), indicating hidden vessel damage.
• Genetic Risk: Later tests revealed high Lipoprotein(A) – 120 nmol/L (High Risk).

The Wake-Up Call: A CT Coronary Angiogram

At Punarjanis Life Sciences, we recommended a CT Angiogram after noticing his family history and subtle symptoms.

Findings:

• 90% blockage in the LAD (Left Anterior Descending Artery) – The “Widowmaker” artery.
• Diffuse plaque buildup in multiple vessels, undetectable via traditional tests.
• He was weeks away from a massive heart attack.

How We Saved His Heart – Without Surgery

Step 1: Immediate Intervention

• Aggressive lipid management: Ayurvedic Arka Medicines.
• Inflammation control: Pancha Karma Therapy using medicated potentized Oils.

Step 2: Other Ayurvedic Support

• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): Strengthened heart muscle.
• Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Reduced arterial plaque.
• Shirodhara & Meditation: Lowered stress-induced damage.

Step 3: Long-Term Prevention

• Calcium Scan every 2 years to track plaque progression.
• Lipoprotein(A) -lowering therapy (since diet/exercise don’t affect it).
• Dental deep-cleaning (gum disease was worsening inflammation).

The Result: 3 Years Later

• No heart attack, no stents, no bypass.
• Plaque regression seen on repeat imaging.
• Runs marathons safely with monitored heart rate zones.

Key Takeaways from This Case

• 1.“Normal” tests ≠ Safe heart. Advanced imaging (CT Angio/Calcium Scan) is vital for athletes & high-risk individuals.
• 2.Genetics (Lipoprotein(A)) can override perfect lifestyles.
• 3.Inflammation (HSCRP) is a silent killer—check it!
• 4.Ayurveda + Modern Diagnostics = Best Prevention.

“Don’t assume you’re safe because you exercise. Get the right tests.” – Dr. Shaji Raj

Could this be you? Book a heart risk assessment today

Visit us at Punarjanis Life Sciences, Chennai

For appointments, call: +91 95000 01177

Website: www.punarjanis.com

Email: info@punarjanis.com