Abstract

Rajesh Kumar Dharua*, Rishu Sharma, Alok Kumar Srivastava, G. D. Shukla and K. K. Sharma

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is the most common life style disorder. Hypertension is chronic and often asymptomatic medical condition in which systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated beyond normal limits i.e. blood pressure more than 140/90 mm of Hg. It is also known as Silent killer because it rarely exhibits symptoms before it damages the heart, kidney and brain. It is a major risk factor for the development of Cardiovascular disorders, Stroke, Congestive Heart Failure and Renal disorders.. It is also known as silent killer. Now-a-days prevalence rate of hypertension is increasing day-by-day due to rapid modernization and stressful life. Improper life style and unhealthy dietary habits plays an important role in the development of Hypertension. Different theories have been proposed to explain hypertension from an Ayurvedic perspective, but there is no consensus amongst the experts. Hypertension cannot be considered as a Vyadhi (disease) as per Ayurveda but it can be understood by assessing the involved Doshas, Dooshyas (entity which is affected by morbid Dosha), Srotas etc. Many Ayurvedic scholars have proposed different theories about how hypertension can be understood in Ayurveda, but there is no standardized and widely accepted view about the Ayurvedic pathogenesis of this condition. There are still many controversies related to this disease in Ayurveda. Thus, this is an attempt to thoroughly understand hypertension and interpret it in terms of Ayurvedic principles, considering all the existing views.