Contrary to popular belief that coronary heart disease (CHD) is uncommon in developing countries, Asian Indians have among the highest prevalence of CHD. Analysis of numerous studies have now revealed that the usual risk factors i.e. hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking and a family history of CHD, are not common among South Asians. Rather, they possess a different risk factor profile characterized by high triglycerides, low HDL, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity and increased lipoprotein(a) levels. On account of this difference and the alarming explosion of CHD in India, guidelines for prevention of CHD as laid down by the American Heart Association may not be applicable in our population. A judicious diet incorporating commonly used Indian food items and regular exercise will go a long way in effective primary prevention.

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Modern medical science is currently in the throes of a revolution which is likely to have a dramatic impact on both the theory of medicine and the way it is practised. The mechanistic model which served biomedicine well for many years is gradually collapsing, thanks to the efforts of dedicated researchers who have looked beyond that model's flaws. Thus we now know that networks of chemical communication exist between the nervous and immune systems, and that prayer at a distance can positively affect the conditions of those who are seriously ill, even when the prayer and the patient are not known to one another. Another participant in this exciting climate of change and ferment is Ayurveda, India's ancient medical system. While Ayurveda has already contributed much to modern medicine (reserpine, gugulipid, plastic surgery), its real contributions are yet to be made. While some of these are likely to come in matters of materia medica and technique, most will likely be derived from Ayurveda's way of seeing the world, its "darshana." This paper outlines a few of the ways in which Ayurveda's "vision" is likely to facilitate medicine's ability to teach people not just how to avoid disease but how to proactively develop and maintain a healthy "state."

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