Hypertension
Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. This requires the heart to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels. Normal blood pressure at rest is within the range of 100-140mmHg systolic (top reading) and 60-90mmHg diastolic (bottom reading). High blood pressure is said to be present if it is persistently at or above 140/90 mmHg.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attacks, heart failure and is a cause of chronic kidney disease. Even moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure is associated with a shortened life expectancy. Hypertension is known as "Silent Killer" because it may be present for years with no perceptible symptoms.
Many factors can affect blood pressure, including:
- How much water and salt you have in your body
- The condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels
- The levels of different body hormones
You are more likely to be told your blood pressure is too high as you get older. This is because your blood vessels become stiffer as you age. When that happens, your blood pressure goes up. You have a higher risk of high blood pressure if you:
- Are obese
- Are often stressed or anxious
- Dr.ink too much alcohol (more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men)
- Eat too much salt in your diet
- Have a family history of high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Smoke
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. People with Pitta and Vata predominante constitution and Pitta and Vata imbalance, are more prone to hypertension than any other. At Vedicure, treatment for hypertension is based on bringing these imbalances back to normal.
In the treatment of hypertension; nutrition, exercise, breathing exercises (Pranayama), yoga, meditation, behavioural modification along with various herbs and minerals are prescribed.
