Ayurvedic Name: Rakta Gata Vata
Description:
Hypertension is a condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure, which can strain the heart, kidneys, and other organs. It is often referred to as “silent” because it may not show symptoms but can lead to severe complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Signs & Symptoms:
Pravah Daurbalya (Weak Pulse): A weak or irregular pulse may occur due to high blood pressure affecting the circulatory system.
Shwasa (Breathlessness): Difficulty breathing due to strain on the heart and lungs.
Dourbalya (Weakness): General weakness and fatigue from the heart’s inability to pump effectively.
Rukshata (Dryness): Dryness in the mouth or skin can occur due to poor circulation.
Anidra (Insomnia): Difficulty in sleeping, often linked with stress or other associated health conditions.
Diagnosis:
Tests like ECG, echocardiogram, kidney function tests, or urine tests may be performed to assess complications.
Risk Factors:
1. Dietary Factors
High sodium intake: Excessive salt consumption can lead to water retention, which increases blood pressure.
Low potassium intake: Inadequate potassium levels can impair the balance of fluids in the body, raising blood pressure.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in excess can elevate blood pressure over time.
High sugar and refined carbohydrates: Diets rich in sugar and refined carbs can contribute to obesity and high blood pressure.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and higher blood pressure.
Chronic stress: Continuous stress raises blood pressure by triggering the release of stress hormones.
Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension.
Poor sleep quality: Sleep deprivation or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can raise blood pressure levels.
3. Medical Conditions
Obesity: Overweight individuals are more likely to develop high blood pressure due to increased heart workload.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, contributing to hypertension.
Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function can result in fluid and salt retention, which increases blood pressure.
Hormonal disorders: Conditions such as hyperthyroidism and aldosteronism can elevate blood pressure.
Complications:
Cardiovascular Damage (Hridaya Vikruti) – Prolonged high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart, leading to heart failure, coronary artery disease, or heart attacks.
Stroke (Bhrama) – Hypertension increases the risk of a stroke by putting pressure on the blood vessels, potentially causing them to rupture or clot.
Kidney Damage (Mutra Vikruti) – Long-term high blood pressure can cause kidney damage, leading to renal failure or chronic kidney disease.
Retinal Damage (Netra Vikruti) – Elevated blood pressure can lead to damage in the blood vessels of the eyes, causing vision problems or even blindness.
Aneurysm (Vayu Vikruti) – Persistent hypertension can lead to the formation of aneurysms, which are weakened areas in blood vessels that can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Epidemeology:
Affects approximately 30-45% of adults globally, with prevalence increasing with age.
More common in individuals with a family history of hypertension or those with obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Higher rates are seen in populations with poor dietary habits, particularly high salt intake, and those experiencing high levels of stress.
More prevalent in low- and middle-income countries due to limited access to healthcare and preventative measures.