Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls and blood flows through them easily. Arteries are the cardiovascular system’s busy pathways, transporting blood from the heart to all our cells. Organs, and tissues need oxygen and nutrients to function properly, and these muscular tubes expand and contract to push blood through our bodies. That is why keeping arterial pathways clear of toxicants is so important.

Blocked arteries of the heart (Atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease) can develop when a combination of low-density lipoprotein (LDL/bad cholesterol), fat, and other substances concentrated on artery walls and restricts blood flow. After sometime, this buildup forms plaque that clogs arteries and triggers inflammation that makes it harder for blood to flow to the heart, which means the heart does not get enough oxygen and nutrients. If it is not managed properly, it increases the risk of heart disease, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.

What is heart blockage?
Heart blockage refers to the narrowing or clogging of arteries due to plaque buildup. Arterial blockages can happen anywhere in the body, including the brain, kidneys, legs, and neck. When plaque accumulates in the heart’s vessels, it is known as coronary artery disease (CAD). Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 1 in 20 adults affected by CAD.

According to Ayurveda, the holistic medical science, clogged arteries often linked to a buildup of ama (toxins) and imbalanced doshas, especially Kapha — are seen as a result of poor digestion, improper diet, and lifestyle.

What are the common symptoms of heart blockage?

In women, the symptoms of heart blockage can be different from men. Many women might not realize they have a heart problem until it becomes very serious. The obstruction limits blood flow to the heart, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and potentially, heart attacks. Therefore, it is essential to understand the symptoms and discover how one can help prevent heart disease.

1. Chest discomfort: Chest pain or discomfort is an obvious symptom of heart blockage. Instead of sharp pain, women feel pressure, tightness, or squeezing in their chest. Sometimes, the pain is mild that people think it is just from stress or an upset stomach.

2. Shortness of breath: Feeling short of breath often comes with tiredness and might mean that the heart is having trouble pumping blood properly because of a blockage.

3. Pain: Many women experience pain in their neck, jaw, or arms and often think it is just muscle strain or tension, but it could mean there is a problem with the heart.

4. Unusual fatigue: Feeling tired for no clear reason can be a big symptom of heart issues. Women who have blockages in their hearts might feel exhausted, even after taking a rest. 

5. Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, or having an upset stomach can happen to women who have heart blockages. 

6. Dizziness: Feeling dizzy is a common sign of heart blockage. This happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood to get oxygen to the brain. 

7. Swelling: Heart blockage hinders blood from flowing properly, which can result in fluid building up in the legs and feet. Women who have heart problems may notice swelling in their feet, ankles, or legs.

It is difficult to notice the symptoms of heart blockage in females and women should not ignore them, especially if they happen often or get worse.

What are the risk factors for arterial plaque buildup?

Genetics influence the risk of developing atherosclerosis, but lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and lack of exercise are major contributors to artery blockage. There are primary risk factors for arterial plaque:

What are the remedies to unclog our blocked arteries naturally?

Natural treatments for heart blockage offer safe and established alternatives to conventional surgeries like angioplasty or bypass. Ayurveda, the holistic natural medical approach provides non-invasive solutions for heart blockage that supports overall wellness. The emphasis is on detoxifying the body, improving circulation, and addressing root imbalances. The following are the best natural remedies and therapies for managing heart blockages effectively.

1. Eat according to your digestive fire (Agni): If you are eating according to the digestive fire, your body will digest all the calories and fats of the diet you take in. With simple wholesome food, you can stop the buildup of plaque on your arterial walls and your arteries will not become clogged. If you take in more calories than you can use, they may become Ama toxins that rest in your arteries.

2. Control blood sugar by managing carbohydrates: If blood sugar is high, it can cause harm to arteries. It is important to know that potatoes could cause your blood sugar to rise even faster than the same amount of table sugar. High glucose harms the innermost parts of the arteries, promoting extra fat on the arterial walls. Therefore, balancing the amount of carbohydrates in your meals and cutting back on teas and coffees can improve your sugar levels and the health of arteries. In addition, incorporating supplements of Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi could bring your body and mind into equilibrium while relieving strain, maintaining blood pressure, keeping the arteries intact.

4. Support detox with regular bowel movements: Removal of excess fat often depends on regular bowel movements. For those who are having difficulties in easy bowl movement, the natural remedies recommended are 1) Virechana, a medicated purgation is recommended to clear the liver and lower the amount of toxins. 2) Chewing a few raw papayas seeds every day or drinking 20 ml of castor oil once a week may help with cleaning your stomach and preventing fat in your arteries.

5. Practice Vyayama (Balanced exercise): Arteries that can stretch are less likely to get blocked. Practicing regular walking, jogging, stretching, and yoga are recommended for individuals of all ages. Under trainer’s guidance, one can perform cardio, weight lifting, stretching, balancing, and respiratory activities. Heart-opening poses/postures help expand the chest, promoting deeper breathing and potentially stimulating the heart. Examples include: Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose). Pranayama (Breathing exercises) help regulate breathing, calming the mind, and reducing stress. These Vyayamas guarantees good artery health.

6. Manage stress with herbs, Yoga, and Meditation: Our metabolism and immune system get relatively less efficient with repetitive stress and can cause more damage to arteries. Herbs like Brahmi, Jatamansi, and Shankhapushpi and meditation and Yoga techniques enable mental calmness, relieve stress, and balance mental and heart health.

7. Follow dinacharya (Daily routine): Follow without fail your Dinacharya/routine day and night activity patterns such as meal, sleep, and wake-up times as per the body’s energy for your well-being. When circadian rhythm is disrupted, it can affect the health of blood vessels.

By following these natural tips, you can care for your arteries and strengthen your heart in the comfort of your home.