Essential Hypertension - An Ayurvedic Review

Abstract

Essential hypertension is high blood pressure for which there is no clearly defined aetiology. According to oxford textbook of medicine 5th edition, in 2000 it was estimated that 25% of the world adult population were hypertensive and predicted that this would rise to 29% by 2025. By the age of 60, more than one half of adults in most regions of the world will be hypertensive. There is continuous relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular risk from blood pressure values as low as 115/75mm of Hg. In Ayurveda there is no specific terminology mentioned or explanation has been found regarding essential hypertension. But most of the Ayurveda experts believe that the main pathogenesis occurs in blood vessels and involves all the Doshas, including Manavahasrotas involvement. Presently the disease is treated empirically in Ayurveda clinics, so there is the need to understand it rationally in terms of Ayurveda so it can be treated accordingly with better results and prognosis. The Nidana can be explained under three factors including bijadoshas, environmental, and Manasika Doshas. It can be described as the disease with Avyakta Purvarupa and Rupa as Shirashoola, Nidranasha, Bhrama, Klama etc. The disease can be concluded as Vatapradhana Tridoshaja Vyadhi with involvement of Mahamarmas.