Hypertension (Rakta Chapa Vriddhi)
Type-specific: Vata labile, Pitta inflammatory, Kapha atherosclerotic
Cooling, calming plan emphasizing potassium-rich foods, parasympathetic breath, and light evenings.
Understanding Hypertension
Definition
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Ayurvedic Perspective
Known as Rakta Chapa Vriddhi (elevated blood pressure) or Raktavata, hypertension is understood as an imbalance involving all three doshas. Vata-type presents with anxiety and fluctuating BP; Pitta-type with anger and inflammation; Kapha-type with obesity and sluggish circulation. The condition reflects Rasa and Rakta dhatu vitiation with compromised Vyana Vayu.
Modern Medicine
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure consistently measures ≥130/80 mmHg. It's classified as primary (essential) hypertension without identifiable cause, or secondary hypertension due to underlying conditions. Left untreated, it damages blood vessels and organs through increased mechanical stress and endothelial dysfunction.
Causes
- Excessive salt consumption and processed food intake
- Chronic stress and anxiety (Vata aggravation)
- Suppressed emotions, especially anger (Pitta vitiation)
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle (Kapha stagnation)
- Genetic predisposition and family history
- Kidney disease or hormonal disorders (secondary causes)
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
- Poor sleep quality and sleep apnea
- Aging and loss of arterial elasticity
- High intake of stimulants (caffeine, energy drinks)
Risk Factors
Modifiable
- High sodium diet (>2,300 mg/day)
- Obesity (BMI > 30)
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption (>2 drinks/day men, >1 women)
- Tobacco use
- Chronic stress and poor stress management
- Inadequate sleep (<6 hours)
- Low potassium intake
Non-Modifiable
- Age (risk increases after 45 in men, 55 in women)
- Family history of hypertension
- Race (higher in African Americans)
- Gender (men at higher risk until women reach menopause)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
Symptoms & Progression
Early Stage
- • Often asymptomatic ('silent killer')
- • Occasional headaches, especially in morning
- • Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
- • Subtle vision changes
- • Feeling of warmth or flushing (Pitta type)
- • Mild anxiety or restlessness (Vata type)
Progressive
- • Frequent headaches, particularly occipital region
- • Shortness of breath with exertion
- • Chest discomfort or palpitations
- • Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- • Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Sleep disturbances
Severe
- • Severe headache with vision changes
- • Chest pain (may indicate heart attack)
- • Severe shortness of breath
- • Blood in urine (kidney damage)
- • Irregular heartbeat
- • Confusion or altered mental status
- • Hypertensive crisis (BP > 180/120) - medical emergency
Diagnosis & Testing
Diagnostic Methods
- Multiple blood pressure readings over time
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
- Home blood pressure monitoring
- Physical examination and medical history
- Evaluation for secondary causes if indicated
Laboratory Tests
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney function, electrolytes)
- Lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides)
- Urinalysis and microalbuminuria
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Echocardiogram if left ventricular hypertrophy suspected
- Thyroid function tests
- Aldosterone/renin ratio if secondary hypertension suspected
- Hemoglobin A1c (screen for diabetes)
Prevention Strategies
Related Conditions
Hypertension and diabetes commonly coexist; both increase cardiovascular risk exponentially when combined
Hypertension accelerates atherosclerosis, leading to narrowed coronary arteries and increased heart attack risk
High blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for stroke, causing both ischemic and hemorrhagic types
Hypertension damages kidney blood vessels (nephrosclerosis); CKD also causes secondary hypertension
Chronic high BP causes left ventricular hypertrophy and eventual heart failure
Hypertension is one of five criteria; often occurs with obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance