Article: A CRITICAL REVIEW ON HYPOTENSION AND ITS MANAGEMENT FROM AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1105152

Pages: 114-120

Author: Soumya P. Viswan, Rashmi R *

Abstract: Hypotension is a major health problem worldwide with a prevalence rate of 29.3% in older adults. It is associated with increased risk of falls, syncope, reduced quality of life and even death due to organ failure. Despite of its increasing incidence in general population and serious complications, hypotension is often neglected in clinical practice and in the field of research. The present article is an effort to learn the clinical significance, risk factors and co-morbidities of hypotension and understand the disease process and management aspects from Ayurvedic perspective. The sources of literary review were Ayurvedic classical text books, research articles published in indexed journals and electronic sources. Thorough literature review revealed that Hypotension should be considered as a condition caused due to Raktakshaya (depletion of blood tissue) and vyanavatakopa (vitiation of Vyana vata, a subtype of vata responsible for circulation and motor activities). Compound formulations found effective in Hypotension and their therapeutic actions are detailed in the management. Efficacy of Ayurveda in both acute and chronic conditions is elucidated here. This work also provides a framework for further studies on the neglected aspect of research on Hypotension. 

Keyword: Hypotension, Raktakshaya, Vyanavatakopa, Vata, Avarana