Dr. K S Girhepunje, Dr. Varsha Gupta, Prof. O P Singh
Vol. 6, Jul-Dec 2018
Abstract:
Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart throughout the body. They are lined by thin layer of cells called as Endothelium. Atherosclerosis begins with damage to this layer. It is hardening and thickening of arteries due to the formation of fat and fibrin deposits within the arterial tissue. Causes for this damage can be high blood pressure, smoking or high cholesterol etc. It is a natural occurring phenomenon due to the aging process. This damage leads to the formation of plaques inside the arteries. Aging is due to action of Vata dosha as it has dominance in old age. Our body starts degenerating and exhibits weakening and wasting of tissues. The ability to rejuvenate cellular tissue is impeded due to decline in cellular metabolism. Ayurveda classifies Atherosclerosis as “Sanga” which is a disorder of Kapha origin affecting Vyana Vayu in Raktavaha Srotas. The causative factor being Kapha affects meda dhatu- adipose tissue, particularly the Meda dhatu agni-metabolism at the level of adipose tissue. Increased Meda dhatu formation begins to deposit in the Raktavaha srotas, blocking the flow of Vyan vayu. This results in feature of high blood pressure and kapha dusti.