Hypertension And Ayurveda

Hypertension or High blood pressure has become a common condition. Long term medication is needed to manage the blood pressure. Let us see what results in the increase in blood pressure.

WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

The factors that determine the blood pressure are:-

• The amount of blood your heart pumps.
• The amount of resistance in the arteries to blood flow.

Now you may understand what results the high pressure. if your heart pumps more amount of blood or if the arteries become narrow, your blood pressure increases.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A person with high blood pressure may not have any symptoms for many years. Even though there may not be any symptoms, the condition may continue causing damages to blood vessels and heart. Eventually the variation in the pressure can be detected.

A few may develop the following symptoms:-

• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nose bleed

If uncontrolled this may result in heart attack or stroke and usually most people only get to know about their condition when they fall sick.

CAUSES

Primary hypertension

The cause is unknown. This type gradually develops over years.

Secondary hypertension

There will be an underlying cause that results in hypertension. The conditions that may cause hypertension are:-

• Kidney problems
• Thyroid issues
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Congenital defects of arteries
• Illegal drugs
• Some medicines etc.

RISK FACTORS

Many factors increase the risk of hypertension. They are:-

• Age:- The risk of getting hypertension increases with the age.
• Family History:- high blood pressure tends to run in families
• Obesity
• Less physical activity
• Tobacco usage
• Including too much salt in your diet and absence of enough potassium.
• Alcoholism
• Stress
• Certain chronic conditions

During pregnancy, some may suffer from high blood pressure.

COMPLICATIONS

If uncontrolled for long period of time, the condition may cause:-

• Heart attack 
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Heart failure
• Affects the functioning of kidneys
• Affects the health of eyes
• Affects memory etc.

HYPERTENSION AND AYURVEDA

The history of the person is studied to understand the type and cause of hypertension. Internal and external medications can help in the management of the high blood pressure. Rest is an important factor that helps in this condition. Some of the treatments that can help are:-

• Talam
• Siro dhara
• Siro lepa
• Nasya
• Raktamoksha
• Rasayana chikitsa etc.

Yoga and meditation helps in controlling the blood flow and thereby helps in reducing the blood pressure.

The treatment is determined by the qualified physician after determining the root cause