Hypertension

Background

Hypertension is sustained elevation of resting blood pressure; systolic, diastolic or both. Usually, no symptoms develop unless hypertension is severe or long-standing. Tests may be done to determine cause, assess damage, and identify other cardiovascular risk factors. Treatment involves lifestyle changes and drugs. Hypertension becomes common with age; the age-related increase in BP may seem innocuous, but higher BP increases morbidity and mortality risk. Hypertension may develop during pregnancy also.

In Ayurveda, the disease Vyanabala Vaishamya seems to be a result of the Vaishamya/ Vikriti of Vyanavata. Vata is responsible for the regulation of other dosha (Pitta and Kapha). In the pathological state also it has double path of vitiation viz. Dhatukshaya and by Avarana. Though a direct disease condition comparable to hypertension is not mentioned in the classics, its symptomatology is found in the chapters of Vata Vyadhi, Prameha, Hridroga etc.

Classification of Hypertension

Table: JNC 7* Classification of Blood Pressure in Adults

* JNC = Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Intervention/ Approaches

The following are some interventions/ approaches based on CCRAS research from published sources.

In case of essential Hypertension associated with headache, fatigue, giddiness and insomnia:

• Aijuna Vachadi Yoga - 250-500mg thrice a day for 3 months.
• Chandraprabha Vati, Shweta Parpati and Punamava Mandoora 500mg each thrice daily with water for 6 weeks.

In case of Essential Hypertension with giddiness and insomnia:

Tagaradi Chuma - 3-6gm twice a day for 6 months.

In case of Essential Hypertension with restlessness and Pitta predominance:

Ushiradi Chuma - 3-6gm twice a day for 6 months.

Medicinal Plants useful in Hypertension (Vyanabala Vaishamya)

Source : Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences