UNDERSTANDING VYANAVATA IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Essential hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is rising steadily in India. Classical Ayurvedic texts do not describe a disease with the same name, so it has to be understood through dosha, dhatu, and srotas concepts. Vyanavata is the subtype of Vata seated in the hridaya (heart) that governs circulation, and it is the most relevant dosha to this condition. This article reviews the classical description of Vyanavata, explores its correlation with the physiology and pathogenesis of essential hypertension, and outlines the resulting management principles. The correlation is a conceptual hypothesis and needs clinical validation.