Introduction

The pressure exerted on the wall of arteries by the strength of the contraction of the heart is called Blood Pressure.

1.Hypertension is a lifestyle disease that is characterized by abnormally high arterial blood pressure that is usually indicated by an adult systolic blood
pressure of 140mm Hg or greater or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or greater. It is chiefly of unknown aetiology but may be due to a pre-existing condition such as a renal or endocrine disorder, that typically results in a thickening of arterial walls and hypertrophy of the left heart ventricle. Uncontrolled hypertension is a risk factor for various pathological conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease and retinal haemorrhage. The disease has been appropriately nicknamed ‘silent-killer’ because in most patients hypertension does not have any symptom and usually goes unnoticed. Hypertension is a global health problem. Worldwide, approximately 26.4% of the adult population in 2000 had hypertension (26.6% of men and 26.1% of women), and 29.2% were projected to
have this condition by 2025 (29.0% of men and 29.5% of women). The estimated total number of adults with hypertension in 2000 was 972million; 333million in economically developed countries and 639million in economically developing countries. The number of adults with hypertension in 2025 was predicted to increase by about 60% to a total of 1.56billion.6 In ancient Ayurveda texts, we cannot find a word corresponding to hypertension. Academicians have suggested different names to demonstrate the phenomenon. These names include Raktagata vata, Rakta Vikshepa, Shiragata Vata, Avrita Vata, Rakta Chapa, Rakta
Sampida, Vyana Bala, Dhamani pratichaya, Dhamani Prapurnata, Rasa Bhara, Rakta Vriddh, Rudhira Mada and Raktavata . In the management of hypertension, Ayurveda has certain limitations especially in the emergency management for the hypertensive crisis and other vascular episodes. However, a number of studies have suggested that Ayurveda can effectively treat chronic hypertensive conditions.