Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for a large number of deaths worldwide. Unfortunately, India holds the second position in the world. Emerging burden of CVD in developing countries like India is highly alarming.
Dietary regulation and physical exercise play a very important role in overcoming resistant hypertension. It is often recommended to eat foods that are low in sodium and salt, and high in potassium. Scientific reports have indicated lifestyle as a major factor for increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Lifestyle and food habits have changed drastically in metros and urban areas in the last few decades as compared to rural India. The quantity of high fibre diet like fruits, vegetables, sprouts, etc., has gone down. On the other side, the number of fried foods, fats and carbohydrate-rich food has increased. Physical activities are reduced and sedentary habits have increased. These result in increased number of people with hypercholesterolemia and high blood pressure which in turn increases the risk of heart diseases.
As per some studies and reports, more than 30% of total daily calories should not be obtained from fat, more than 300 mg cholesterol should not be taken in a day, and more than 1500 mg of sodium should not be taken in a day. Foods like apples, bananas, oranges, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, broccoli and carrots help to reduce hypertension. Red meat, fat, sweet, alcohol, and high sugar contained drinks should be avoided. Smoking and alcohol drinks should be stopped. Physical activity is another important factor to manage high blood pressure. Management of stress by meditation and stress relieving exercises and activities should be included in the daily routine.
Homoeopathy and its role in hypertension:
Based on the constitution, symptoms, past history, personal history, etc. treatment plan is charted out. Organ affinity also plays a role in selecting the drug based on pathology. Usually, a constitutional-miasmatic-intercurrent remedy along with cholesterol-lowering specific drug as a short and quick acting remedy is given. It helps to manage both at pathological as well as constitutional level.