This document discusses stress, hypertension, and heart attacks. It defines stress and lists various causes of stress. It describes the effects of stress on health, including insomnia, digestive issues, and heart disease. It provides tips for reducing stress such as exercise, nutrition, avoiding smoking/drinking, and meditation. The document then discusses hypertension, its causes and symptoms. It notes hypertension can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other issues if left untreated. The final section discusses heart attacks, defining them and listing warning symptoms. It notes heart attacks are a leading cause of death worldwide.

1. STRESS,HYPERTENSION, HEART-ATTACK STRESS IS STATE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL STRAIN CAUSED BY ADVERSE STIMULI – PHYSICAL, MENTAL, OR EMOTIONAL, INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL, THAT TEND TO DISTURB THE FUNCTIONING OF A PERSON AND WHICH THE PERSON NATURALLY DESIRES TO AVOID. SMOKING ALCOHOL AND MANY DRUGS AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ARE OFTEN USED IN SELF TREATMENT TO ALLEVIATE STRESS.

2. Adverse stimuli (causes) Emotional Arguments, disagreements, conflicts, frustration, failure, matrimonial disharmony etc. Illness Chronic diseases and diseases of recurring nature bring stress. This stress further aggravates the disease and thus a vicious cycle is established. Pushing you body too hard Overdriving, workaholics, working without proper rest sooner or later drains your system of vital energy. Multifactorial Hormonal changes (Puberty & Menopause), environment & host of other factors may contribute to the development of stressful state.

3. Effects of stress on health Insomnia Anxiety, Nervousness, Restlessness & Irritability Altered concentration Weight loss Weakening of immune system Causes/aggravates digestive problems like Acid Peptic Diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. Established contributor to heart disease, hypertension, headache, migraine and menstrual disorders.

4. How to reduce stress Positive attitude towards life. Emotional support of family, friends, care providers. Healthy practices : physical exercise, good nutrition (to strengthen one’s immune system). To avoid smoking & drinking alcohol. To adopt relaxation techniques. Adequate sleep. Meditation and Yoga. Counseling. A physician can lessen the anxiety by interacting with the patient and explaining him the Do’s & Don'ts.

5. Shortcut method to reduce stress :- “ Grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept the things I can’t change, and the wisdom to know the difference”. Reinhold Niebuhr

6. Homoeopathic concept In order to treat stress related psychiatric disorders a holistic and individualistic approach is required. Homoeopathy also advocates such approach to restore the sick to health. A few of the medicines often indicated in stress are mentioned :- Nuxvomica :- is a workaholic person, who is ambitious and resorts to all types of stimulants (alcohol, tea, coffee, cigarette) and continuously lives in stress. This lands him with various troubles such as anger, hypertension, piles, colitis, acid peptic disorders etc. Carcinosinum :- is also workaholic who wants to perform perfectly and remains conscientious. He wants to maintain rigid moral values. His duty bound nature motivates him to work and therefore he lives under stress. Aurum metallicum person represents high sense of duty which compels him to work like a robot. Best presentation is high motto. Stress results in severe depression and melancholy with strong suicidal tendency. Argentumnitricum :- Anxiety, hurry, worry, apprehension are the hallmarks of Argentumnitricum. Stress resulting in depression or anxiety, invariably is associated with diarrhoea. He fears closed places, bridges, tunnels, high places and crowds. His hurried nature coupled with anxiety leads to confusion. Silicea :- is a person of caliber without fibre. Dependency, lack of confidence & competence make him defensive and withdrawn. Arsenic album :- drives everyone with his fear & anxiety. Despair of recovery is well-marked. Desire exceeds needs. This is the basic cause of his stress. Lachesis :- is indicated in menopausal women who are jealous & vindictive. They release their stress through conversation (loquacity). Stress with religious melancholia. DOSES :- (a) 5 to 6 medicated globules (No.20 size) 4 times a day for a few days. (b) Liquid : 2 drops of medicine in a half a cup of water - 4 times a day for a few days. (c) The medicines may be taken in 30 potency.

7. General instructions :- The medicines can be dispensed in small globules made up of cane sugar or in plain drinking water. Medicines must be kept in a cool, dry place away from exposure to sun. Medicines must be kept away from strong smelling substances like camphor, menthol, etc. Mouth and tongue should be clean before taking medicines. Homoeopathic medicines act better in patients who are not addicted to tobacco products. Patient should avoid taking cigarette, bidi, paanmasala, alcohol and narcotics, etc. Strong smelling substances like onion, garlic, etc. May be taken half an hour before / after taking homoeopathic medicines. Medicines should not be taken if the white globules are discoloured. or sediments appear in the mother tincture/ liquid medicine. During homoeopathic treatment, no other medicines should be taken, unless urgently required. A qualified homoeopathic doctor must be consulted in case of any difficulty or if the patient does not improve within 2 -3 days of treatment.

8. HYPERTENSION (High blood pressure) A Silent Killer

9. Hypertension (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)A SILENT KILLER Hypertension may have no known cause (essential or idiopathic). It may also be associated with other diseases involving kidneys. Thyroid gland, adrenal glands, etc. Hypertension is uncommon before the age of 20 years. It is a disease of modern life, where HURRY-WORRY-CURRY have become order of the day. Cause unknown in 95% of persons suffering from high blood pressure. More prevalent among age group between 40-60 yrs. Both sexes affected equally. TRIGGERS OR PRIME CONTRIBUTORS Excess alcohol, Obesity, Stress, Sedentary Habits, Lack of Exercise, Hereditary, High intake of Salty & Oily food (fast food culture) What is considered high BP Average Normal Blood Pressure Range :- Systolic : 110-120mm of Hg. Diastolic : 70-80mm of Hg. There may be some variations in Blood Pressure among different age groups, but systolic pressure above 140mm of Hg and diastolic pressure above 90mm of Hg is generally accepted as HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. HYPERTENSION

10. What are the symptoms Most of the patients may be symptom free. Some may have : Tiredness, dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness, sleep disturbances, epistaxis, headache, anxiety, blurred vision, excessive sweating. Headache at the back of the head, worse on waking up in the morning. A change in their nature, that they have become irritable or impatient. At a later stage, symptoms of complications in eyes, heart or kidneys may develop in some cases. HYPERTENSION IF UNTREATED CAN LEAD TO :- Stroke (Cerebro Vascular Accidents) Heart attack (cardio Vascular Accidents). Heart failure. Kidney failure. Retionopathy (damage to eyes).

11. HOW IT CAN BE MANAGED ? Life style modifications may achieve treatment goals. Lose weight. Avoid stressful situations as far as possible. Restrict intake of salt, fried food and other foods rich in saturated fats (like ghee, butter, cream, coconut oil). Take plenty of fruits and vegetables. Abstain from tobacco & alcoholic beverages. Take regular morning walk Practice yogic exercises, pranayam, meditation,etc.

13. Dose 10-15 drops, 2-3 times, daily.

14. Passifloraincarnata Q : If the blood pressure is high following overexertion, mental tension, loss of sleep.

15. Dose: 10-15 drops, 2-3 times, daily.

16. Allium Sativa Q : For obese patients with hypertension due to arteriosclerosis.

17. Dose: 20-30 drops, 2-3 times, daily.

18. Besides, the constitutional and medicines like Barytamuriaticum, Natrummuriaticum, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Nuxvomica, Adrenalin, Amylenitratrosum, Glonoine, Veratriumviride, Spartiumscoparium etc. Can be used effectively in hypertension.

20. What causes a heart attack High blood pressure High blood pressure puts an extra strain on the heart as well as on the arteries supplying blood to the other organs of the body. The heart has to work against the increased resistance caused by thickening of arteries. Most people are not aware of high blood pressure as it does not usually produce any abnormal symptoms. High cholesterol People with a high level of cholesterol in their blood are more likely to suffer from heart disease. High cholesterol levels in the blood are seen in people who eat a lot of fatty foods, e.g. meat, butter, ghee, cream & cream products. Vegetable oils such as those made from, mustard or soyabeans do not contain cholesterol and do not cause an increased risk of heart disease.

21. Smoking Cigeratte or bidi (Smoking) can cause several lethal diseases of heart, cancer of the lungs, bronchitis, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Death rate due to heart attacks are higher in smokers. The risk of getting a heart attack is increased habitual smokers. Diabetes mellitus People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease. Heart attacks occur at a younger age in severe diabetics, particularly women. Sedentary life Several studies have shown that people who do jobs sitting down for most of the day, such as clerks, officers, drivers, etc. get heart attacks more than those whose professions need physical exercise e.g. farmers, laborers, conductors, etc. Regular physical exercise reduces the risk of heart diseases and also keeps a person fit. Obesity Obesity is one of the risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease or a stroke. Much of the risk is mediated through the associated hypertension. It can be avoided by not eating fatty foods, too much sugar or alcohol and by doing regular physical exercise. Stress and mental tension There is a strong relationship between stress, mental tension and heart disease. People who worry too much and who are always in a hurry get high blood pressure and more heart attacks than those who are easy going and care free. Heredity It has been known for some time that members in a family pass down health problems to their children. If one parent suffers a heart attack, then the chances of the child having a heart attack when they are older, is doubled. Age Heart attacks usually occur in people aged 50-55 years. Although uncommon, heart attack may occur between 30-35 years of age. Sex Ninety percent of heart attacks occur in men. Women are at increased risk of having a heart attack as they grow old.

22. Immediate Management Make the person lie down comfortably. He or she should not exert himself/herself as exertion may cause further damage to the heart. If the person is breathless, use a few pillows to raise his/her head. Loosen his/her clothes and reassure the person. Determine whether the person is conscious or unconscious. If unconscious, take the person to the hospital as soon as possible. Long Term Management After the acute attack is over, the person needs to adopt all the preventive measures as listed above. Homoeopathic remedies have proven their efficacy in prevention of further damage to heart muscles as well as to recover from immediate damage. Since homoeopathic therapy takes account of peculiarities of the person, causations, modifying factors etc., each person is treated individually. A qualified homoeopathic practitioner may be consulted to chalk out a management plan. Prevention One can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack if he/she follows the five golden rules. Take balanced diet, avoid high intake of saturated fats (like ghee, butter etc.) and other food having high fat contents. Avoid smoking Do regular physical exercise Avoid stress and tension Go for regular medical checkup.