Hypertension, also known as high or elevated blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels experience consistently increased pressure. Blood is pumped from the heart to all parts of the body through these vessels. With each heartbeat, blood is forced into the vessels, and the pressure created against the walls of the arteries is known as blood pressure. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to work to circulate blood.
In Ayurveda, high blood pressure is considered a condition involving all three doshas, along with the heart and blood vessels. The derangement of Vata dosha, particularly Vyana Vayu, is prominently observed in hypertension. Pitta dosha imbalance is also common and requires attention. Individuals with a Pitta-Vata predominant constitution or those experiencing a Pitta-Vata imbalance are more susceptible to developing hypertension. Emotional factors such as unresolved anger, frustration, irritability, anxiety, and fear can disrupt the endocrine system, ultimately contributing to the onset of high blood pressure.
Palpitations are characterized by rapid, irregular, or unusually strong heartbeats. They may feel like skipped beats, a fluttering sensation in the chest, pounding in the chest or neck, or a “flip-flopping” feeling. Palpitations are common and nonspecific, and they can either be a symptom of another condition or a condition on their own.
Remedies to manage palpitations:
Reduce caffeine intake.
Drink warm ginger tea without milk every morning.
Consume muskmelon or watermelon juice once a week.
Spend 20 minutes outdoors after waking up.
Take a hot shower on days when palpitations occur.
Do not skip breakfast.
Eat at least one fruit daily.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by a constant and excessive sense of anxiety or apprehension that can disrupt daily life. Unlike normal worry or stress from specific events, GAD involves persistent anxiety that is difficult to control and affects overall functioning.
Hypotension refers to abnormally low blood pressure. The condition is generally considered harmless as long as there are no symptoms indicating insufficient oxygen supply to the body. In Ayurveda, hypotension is known as Nyuna Raktachaapa. It is believed to result from an imbalance of Vata dosha and weakened Agni (digestive and metabolic fire).