Hypertension - An Ayurvedic approach

Abstract

Hypertension is severe high blood pressure caused by a stressful lifestyle, in which the blood vessels have persistently elevated pressure, making it difficult for the heart to pump. Because of this increased pressure on the heart, the pressure on the blood vessels that supply the different tissues and organs of the body increases and can damage the corresponding organs. It is an early stage of pathogenesis and a risk factor for the development of diseases affecting, for example, the heart, brain, kidneys, etc. Many people with hypertension are undiagnosed for a long time or until diagnosed incidentally, so it can be considered a silent killer. About 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, so normalizing abnormally high blood pressure is a difficult task. In Ayurveda, systemic hypertension can be understood as the participation of vitiated Doshas, ​​​​​​where Vata and Pitta are the dominant Tridoshas, ​​​​​​which prevent the movement of these Doshas in the respective Srotas. The concept of Avarana (occlusion in Dosha functioning in a normal state) gives a better understanding of hypertension, which should be considered for better results in Ayurvedic treatment of diseases. Therefore, an attempt will be made here to understand hypertension from Ayurvedic concepts and to discuss the management of this condition from an Ayurvedic perspective.