CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF RAKTAGATA VATA IN AYURVEDIC CLASSIC AND ITS MODERN CORRELATION WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Background: Raktagata Vata is a pathological state described in Ayurvedic classics in which Vata gets lodged in Rakta Dhatu, leading to derangements in circulation and vascular functions. Classical signs include Bhrama (giddiness), Murchha (fainting), Shiro Ruja (headache), and Uchcha Shwasa (breathlessness), which can parallel features of sustained high blood pressure in modern medicine. Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated arterial blood pressure, shares common pathogenic threads with Raktagata Vata, such as vascular resistance, altered hemodynamics, and end-organ strain. Understanding their correlation allows for integrative interpretations that can inform preventive and therapeutic strategies. Aim: To explore the concept of Raktagata Vata in Ayurvedic literature and correlate it with modern pathophysiology of hypertension. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literary review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic treatises (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) and authoritative commentaries for descriptions of Raktagata Vata. Modern medical literature, including standard cardiology textbooks and peer-reviewed articles on hypertension, was reviewed for correlating pathophysiological aspects. Comparative analysis was performed to identify overlapping symptoms, etiological factors, and disease progression patterns. Observations: Ayurvedic texts describe Raktagata Vata as arising from Vata Prakopa with simultaneous Rakta Dushti, often precipitated by Ruksha, Laghu ahara-vihara, mental stress, and excessive exertion. Symptomatology shows overlap with hypertension—particularly headaches, dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue. Modern understanding of hypertension identifies increased peripheral vascular resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and neurohormonal imbalance, which can be conceptually mapped to Vata aggravation and Rakta impairment. Discussion: Correlating Raktagata Vata with hypertension reveals that both involve disruption in vascular tone and circulation dynamics. Ayurvedic pathogenesis attributes it to qualitative and quantitative vitiation of Rakta Dhatu coupled with aggravated Vata, leading to impaired Srotas function, which aligns with endothelial and arterial stiffness in hypertension. This conceptual bridge suggests that Ayurvedic management focusing on Vata-Rakta Shamana, Srotoshodhana, and lifestyle regulation could complement modern antihypertensive approaches. Conclusion: The conceptual understanding of Raktagata Vata provides an Ayurvedic framework to interpret hypertension's pathophysiology and symptomatology. Integrative exploration enriches preventive and therapeutic strategies, emphasizing individualized management through diet, lifestyle, and Vata-Rakta balancing interventions.