Dr Rachna Pande In the developed western world and also in underdeveloped countries, many people suffer from the coronary artery disease (CAD). Not only old, but young people as well are suffering from it. High blood pressure and heart failure are also responsible for the burden of sickness in the community. There are many risk factors for CAD, including hypertension, diabetes, high lipid levels, smoking and alcoholism. It also tends to run in families because it is inherited genetically. Hypertension, and CAD are chronic conditions requiring lifelong medicines to maintain quality of life and even for survival. After some time of use, the body tends to become resistant to these medicines and higher doses have to be used. A person invariably develops one or more adverse effects, for which the drug is changed or dose is reduced. If problem persists, he has to undergo invasive procedures like coronary angiography, bypass surgery and other interventions. All these procedures are expensive, cumbersome and are associated with risks. In this scenario, attention of scientists and researchers has gone towards alternate methods of treating heart diseases and meditation has emerged as a very good harmless and simple technique for controlling heart diseases with minimum medications and no intervention. It can be done at home simply without spending a penny. Research trials done have shown that meditation done regularly cuts the risk of heart diseases by 50%. It was found to be more effective than counseling and simple life style changes. These measures along with meditation can greatly improve the quality of life of a person suffering from heart disease. Different groups teach different techniques for meditation. Transcendental meditation is a form of meditation where one is asked to keep repeating one word repeatedly in the mind. It is said that initially one would find it difficult to focus on that word; later on his mind will be vibrating with that word. After some days, his mind will get devoid of that word also. Thus he will attain the state of supreme calmness or relaxation which is desirable. In another method, one is asked to focus on the glow of a red bulb or a spot or dot for about 10 to 20 minutes. When one does so, the mind gets relaxed and with regular practice, it remains calm for greater part of the day. One can just sit straight with eyes closed and focus on his breathing. This also helps in relaxing the mind. Any one of this technique done regularly is very helpful in relaxing the mind. When the mind is relaxed the adrenergic activity of the body is reduced. This decreases the load on the heart muscle and improves its functioning. Perfusion of the heart and entire body is also improved. Risk factors like hypertension and diabetes are also well controlled, when one does regular meditation. If one is addicted to alcohol and or smoking, he can quit it easily after some days of regular practice of meditation. One can do meditation any time at home or at work. Only prerequisite is that the stomach should be empty. It can be done either in the morning before breakfast or 2 to 3 hours after any major meal. One can do meditation while sitting down ordinarily but the ideal position is to sit squatting with a straight back on a mat or blanket. In this position the body is relaxed and one can concentrate more on the mind. Best results are obtained when meditation is done regularly 2 times for at least 15 to 20 minutes. But if , difficult then it can be done at least one time in the day, either in morning or evening. After all, there are many benefits and no harm whatsoever from meditation. Those suffering from heart diseases and those who wish to prevent it, both should try to learn the technique of meditation and practice it. Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital
