Cardiac and Circulatory Disorders in Ayurveda: A Clinical Review of Hridroga and Raktapitta

Cardiac and Circulatory Disorders in Ayurveda: A Clinical Review of Hridroga and Raktapitta

Abstract:
Cardiac and circulatory system disorders are described in Ayurveda primarily under Hridroga (heart diseases) and Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). These conditions are linked with vitiation of doshas, especially Vata and Pitta, and obstruction or depletion in Rasa and Rakta Dhatus. This article provides an in-depth analysis of etiological factors, signs and symptoms, pathology, treatment strategies, and relevant Panchakarma for heart and blood-related disorders.

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1. Introduction
Hridroga refers to diseases affecting the heart and surrounding structures, involving disturbance in the rhythmic and nourishing functions of Rasa and Rakta dhatus. Raktapitta refers to spontaneous hemorrhagic conditions resulting from vitiated Pitta in Rakta.

2. Nidana (Etiological Factors)

• Intake of oily, heavy, sour, salty, and incompatible food

• Excessive anger, grief, or emotional stress

• Sedentary lifestyle or overexertion

• Suppression of natural urges

3. Major Cardiac and Circulatory Disorders

• Hridroga – Includes five types: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja, Krimija

• Raktapitta – Includes Urdhwaga (epistaxis, hemoptysis) and Adhoga (melena, hematuria)

• Hypertension and Ischemic heart disease – Modern equivalents of Vataja or Sannipataja Hridroga

4. Samprapti (Pathogenesis)

• Vitiated doshas obstruct the Hridya Sthana (heart region)

• Rasa and Rakta dhatu kshaya or mala sanchaya causes irregularity in blood flow

• In Raktapitta, heat-dominated Pitta liquefies Rakta and causes spontaneous bleeding

5. Rupa (Clinical Features)

• Hridroga: Chest pain, palpitations, heaviness, anxiety, breathlessness

• Raktapitta: Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or genitourinary tract; dizziness, fatigue

6. Prognosis (Sadhya-Asadhyata)

• Vataja and Pittaja Hridroga are Yapya with chronicity

• Krimija and Sannipataja are Krichrasadhya

• Raktapitta is curable in early stages, chronic cases are Yapya

7. Chikitsa Sutra (Treatment Principles)

• Deepana-Pachana to improve Agni

• Hridya dravyas and Raktashamana medicines

• Nasya and Hrid Basti for Hridroga

• Mridu Virechana in Raktapitta

8. Ayurvedic Medicines

• Hridroga: Arjuna Ksheerapaka, Arjunarishta, Pushkarmoola Churna, Hridya Vati

• Raktapitta: Kamdudha Rasa, Praval Pishti, Mukta Bhasma, Amalaki Rasayana

• Supportive: Dashamoola, Gokshura, Sarpagandha (for BP regulation)

9. Panchakarma Therapies

• Hrid Basti with Bala-Ashwagandhadi Taila, Arjuna Taila

• Nasya with Brahmi Taila, cow ghee in stress-related Hridroga

• Virechana with Trivrit Leha or Avipattikar for Pitta conditions

10. Diet and Lifestyle

• Light, easily digestible food

• Avoid fermented, spicy, sour, and excessively salty items

• Practice of meditation, Pranayama, and regular exercise

• Avoid emotional extremes and exertion

11. Conclusion
Ayurvedic principles of managing Hridroga and Raktapitta include correction of doshic imbalances, strengthening of Hridya Sthana, purification of Rasa-Rakta dhatus, and rejuvenation through Rasayana therapies. Early intervention ensures better prognosis.

12. References

1. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana – Chapter 26 (Hridroga Chikitsa)

2. Ashtanga Hridaya Chikitsa – Chapter 6 (Raktapitta)

3. Sushruta Samhita – Nidana Sthana on Hridroga

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Arjuna, Amalaki, Mukta, Praval

5. CCRAS Ayurvedic Formulary Vol I & II