Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure is a cardiac chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. It is the opposite of hypotension. Hypertension is classified as either primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension; About 90–95% of cases are termed "primary hypertension", which refers to high blood pressure for which no medical cause has been found.The remaining 5–10% of cases (Secondary hypertension) are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart, or endocrine system.
Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure.Moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy. Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of associated health complications, although drug treatment may prove necessary in patients for whom lifestyle changes prove ineffective or insufficient.
Symptoms of Hypertension:
- Pain experienced at the back of the head and neck on waking up, which soon disappears.
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Heart pain
- Frequent urination
- Nervous tension
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in Breathing
Causes of Hypertension:
- Stress and hectic life-style.
- Vitiation of vata
- Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants
- Hardening of the arteries
- Obesity
- Metabolic disorders
- Excessive intake of common table salt
- Overloading of fast foods
Ayurvedic Approach to Hypertension:
According to Ayurveda, high blood pressure involves all the doshas, the heart, and the blood vessels.We can see signs and symptoms of derangement of vata dosha mainly that of 'Vyana vayu' in high blood pressure. The treatment is to correct the balance of vata dosha.Pitta visiation is also seen often and should be trated.
People with Pitta and Vata predominante constitution and Pitta and Vata imbalance, are more prone to hypertension than any other. Unprocessed anger, frustration, irritability, anxiety and fear leads to mal-adaptation of the endocrine system, which then leads to conditions like hypertension. Treatment is based on bringing these imbalances back to normal. In the treatment of hypertension; nutrition, exercise, breathing exercises (Pranayama), yoga, meditation, behavioral modification along with various herbs. |
