Hypertension (Rakta Vata) or high blood pressure is a disorder characterized by greater than usual force with which levels of body fluids or blood are pushed by the heart. The main function of the heart is to push body fluids into the arteries and get the body fluids returning there, after having completed one revolution of the entire body in fifteen seconds (Lloyd-Jones, 1999). With each heartbeat, body fluids are expelled to different parts of the body through the arteries. When there is a disorder of the arteries, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries or deposits of material in them), they are unable to comprise the amount of body fluids necessary for the normal functioning of circulation throughout the body . , resulting in the heart struggling and working overtime to sustain the necessary amount of blood (Kwan, 1995). By doing this, you pump with greater force and cause what is known as 'high' force in the body fluids. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayNormal strength in a healthy, mature individual is believed to be between 140 and 150 mm of mercury (systolic) and 90 mm (diastolic) ) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2000). Depending on the constitution, any variety from the usual symptoms increases to symptoms such as discomfort, ringing sensation in the ears, strength in the frontal region of the head, palpitations and a general feeling of malaise. Hypertension can be classified as absolutely crucial or functional. In the last mentioned case it may be the result of a malfunction of the kidneys, which causes an increase in the urea content in the blood. Stress or restlessness may be the other determinants of intentional hypertension (Oldendick, Coker, Wieland, Raymond, Schell, & Stoskopf, 2000). According to Ayurveda, however, hypertension is the result of alteration of the vayu. Excessive use of alcoholic beverages and other intoxicating substances; salt; the need for training, the incessant inactivity of the heart tendon in stressful situations are all causes of hypertension (Oldendick, Coker, Wieland, Raymond, Schell, & Stoskopf, 2000). The cardinal symptoms of hypertension are: inability to doze well, palpitations, dizziness, defects and disorders of digestion. If the disorder becomes chronic due to neglect or the need for appropriate medications, the capillaries that supply body fluids to the retina may become disordered and vision deterioration may occur. If the supply of body fluids to the mind is insufficient due to high strength of body fluids, those who persevere can cause a stroke. Cerebral hemorrhage may occur, leading to paralysis or even death (Kaiser, 1999). • Garlic Raw garlic has a warming effect. It is then used with buttermilk. In the initial stages it is recommended to use 1 mg of garlic, three times a day. Gradually, the content can be expanded up to 3 grams, furthermore three times a day (Baker & Priest, 2000). • In the next useful scheme garlic is fried in ghee with honey. In this way, the most distant odors are eliminated and it is also cholesterol-free. (Garlic should be avoided raw and should be mixed with herbs to neutralize any harmful effects) (Baker & Priest, 2000). • This research paper mentions some supportive Indian academic remedies for this infection which are supposed to be taken under strict medical supervision. Ayurvedic Remedies and Hypertension The use of Ayurvedic remedies by clients with identified medical conditions such as mild to moderate hypertension is of greatest concernfor the medical community versus their use by those who simply desire the maintenance of health or the treatment of mild illnesses such as the common cold. Although many Ayurvedic herbs and combinations have been used in China and Europe for centuries, little is known about their effectiveness in the United States. Quality, effectiveness, and synergistic effects with food, other supplements, alcohol, and prescription drugs (Zapatero, 1999) . In 1997, 60 million U.S. consumers reported using herbs, and an estimated 15 million of these consumers combined their use with prescription medications (Vetter, Glauzer, & Vetter, 1980). Although there is a substantial body of historical anecdotal information on herbal, positive effects of certain herbs, virtually nothing is known about drug-herb interactions. This section will focus on a brief description of four herbs commonly marketed for hypertension: Rauwolfia serpentina (snake root), Stephania tetrandra, Panax notoginseng, and Crataegus hawthorn extract; their presumed effectiveness; known or suspected contraindications and adverse effects of the client; and nursing care considerations (Oldendick, Coker, Wieland, Raymond, Schell, & Stoskopf, 2000). Rauwolfia serpentina root (R. serpentina or snake root) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, the main basis of the Indian healthcare system, to treat hypertension. Snakeroot is a natural source of reserpine and is classified as a Rauwolfia alkaloid (Baker & Priest, 2000). As a whole root powder 200–300 mg is equivalent to 0.5 mg of resperine. Reserpine was widely used in the United States from the 1940s to the 1960s, falling out of favor as other antihypertensives with fewer side effects became available (Eisenberg, Kessler, Foster, Norlock, Calkins, & T, 1993). Reserpine blocks the absorption of these antihypertensives. amines such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the storage vesicles of central and peripheral adrenergic neurons, thus leaving these catecholamines to be destroyed by monoamine oxidase (Kwan, 1995). This action on the central nervous system explains the antihypertensive effects of reserpine, which are a lowering of blood pressure, a decrease in cardiac output and a reduction in peripheral resistance, heart rate and renin secretion. Rauwolfia alkaloids such as serpentine are contraindicated for clients with a history of depression, suicidal ideation, peptic ulcers, and ulcerative colitis (Lloyd-Jones, 1999). Adverse effects are nasal congestion, increased gastric secretions, sedation, concentration problems, and inability to perform complex tasks. This herb can cause depression and should be discontinued when depression is first evaluated (Eisenberg, Kessler, Foster, Norlock, Calkins, & T, 1993). The effects of reserpine are long-acting as neuronal recovery, which can take days or weeks, requires the development of new storage vesicles to accommodate amine production. Nursing action towards this herb involves direct questions to the client on its use; whether the customer is still taking the herb, and if not, the date of cessation. If clients are using R. serpentina, nurses should initiate assessments for depression and suicidal ideation (Siegel, Casper, Schnalke, & Hetzer, 1996). Teaching clients about the use of the herb would involve information about the previously mentioned adverse effects and contraindications. Stephania tetrandra (S. tetrandra or tetrandrine) is often used to treat hypertension in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This herb is a calcium antagonist andparallel to the actions of known calcium antagonists such as verapamil. In laboratory studies in rats, tetrandrine lowered mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and depressed heart contractions. Tetrandrine has been reported to induce hepatic necrosis in dogs with two months of oral administration three times a week (Zapatero, 1999). Lower doses caused reversible liver swelling or no adverse effects on the liver. Because of these findings, further studies need to determine safe and effective levels of use in humans. Furthermore, S. tetrandra has demonstrated an immunosuppressive effect due to its action on the synthesis of human monocytes and leukocytes. This adverse action needs further study, but it would theoretically eliminate the use of the herb by patients whose immune systems are already compromised or with immune-related diseases (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2000). Nursing action regarding this herb should include evaluation of use, dosage, and frequency combined with physical evaluation for evidence of liver toxicity. Client education should incorporate information about potential liver toxicity and immunosuppressive effects along with the need for immediate medical evaluation if the herb has been used (Eisenberg, Kessler, Foster, Norlock, Calkins, & T, 1993). Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng or ginseng) is used in TCM as an alteative (purifying and stimulating the elimination of body waste) and is the ingredient in many Chinese medicinal prescriptions for circulatory disorders. Ginseng saponins, extracted from the root, have been reported to dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure in laboratory rats, cats, and dogs (Zapatero, 1999). This antihypertensive action is believed to be the result of inhibition of the plant's norepinephrine and its action as a calcium channel blocker. However, the efficacy of P. notoginseng in treating hypertension is uncertain, as it has been shown to cause both relaxation and vascular constriction depending on the total ginseng saponins present in the Ayurvedic supplement and the receptor sites (Kwan, 1995). P. notoginseng involves evaluation of use and dosage and monitoring of blood pressure. Because ginseng is marketed for its overall health benefits, it is important to determine a client's use of it in conjunction with conventional antihypertensive medications. Due to ginseng's ability to constrict blood vessels, it seems appropriate to advise hypertensive patients against its use alone or in combination with conventional antihypertensive drugs (Eisenberg, Kessler, Foster, Norlock, Calkins, & T, 1993). Hawthorn Crataegus (C. hawthorn) has been highly regarded by consumers over the past decade for its effects on the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn leaves, flowers, and fruits contain biologically active substances such as flavonoids and catechins, which appear to be related to the antioxidant effects of hawthorn (Siegel, Casper, Schnalke, & Hetzer, 1996). This herb is known to reduce the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in low-density lipoproteins, thus inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis. Other studies have shown that C. hawthorn reduces resting heart rate and mean diastolic blood pressure during exercise and increases myocardial perfusion through revascularization (Vetter, Glauzer, & Vetter, 1980). An interesting in vitro study examined the effects of hawthorn on cardiac and vascular papillary smooth muscle in coronary arteries obtained from heart transplant recipients suffering from cardiomyopathy or extensive atherosclerosis (Baker & Priest, 2000). The extract ofhawthorn created a decrease in wall tension and an increase in dilation of these vessels. The only known adverse effects of hawthorn are the result of excessive dosage with a concomitant hypertensive effect. Contraindications, to date, indicate that this herb enhances the activity of digitalis and, therefore, should not be used together with digitalis (Oldendick, Coker, Wieland, Raymond, Schell, & Stoskopf, 2000). Nursing action involves evaluating dosage and frequency and monitoring blood pressure. Because effective dosage levels are not known, the potential exists for the client to over- or under-treat their hypertension; Monitoring the effectiveness of the herb for an individual client seems indicated (Kwan, 1995). According to Ayurveda, high body fluid strength engages all doshas, the heart and body fluid vessels. We can glimpse indications and symptoms of vata dosha imbalance, especially that of 'Vyana vayu' in case of high body fluid pressure. The remedy is to correct the balance of vata dosha. Additionally, Pitta visitation is glimpsed often and needs to be treated. In Ayurveda the strength of body fluids is elevated also known as rakta cappa vriddhi. The Ayurvedic remedy for high blood pressure aims to balance these doshas (Kwan, 1995). Sometimes an imbalance in kapha can also lead to high blood pressure. People with a predominant Pitta and Vata constitution, and an imbalance between Pitta and Vata, are more prone to hypertension than anyone else. Unprocessed anger, annoyance, irritability, restlessness, and worry lead to a maladjustment of the endocrine pattern, which then leads to situations such as hypertension (Siegel, Casper, Schnalke, & Hetzer, 1996). Treatment is based on bringing these imbalances back to normal. In the remedy of hypertension; nutrition, training, breathing activities (Pranayama), yoga, meditation, behavioral modifications together with various herbs and minerals are prescribed. Ayurvedic Diet for High Blood Pressure • Ayurveda suggests appropriate alterations in the diet of an individual with high blood pressure so that the errant doshas can be rebalanced. This includes moving away from irritants and absorbing those components that help the body achieve a state of balance (Baker & Priest, 2000). • Following a vegetarian diet is the best way to reduce high blood pressure. The diet should include vegetables such as parsley, sour pumpkin, drumsticks and garlic. The perfect fruits for a high body fluid diet are grapes, bananas, watermelons, and guavas (Eisenberg, Kessler, Foster, Norlock, Calkins, & T, 1993). • Dairy products, for example cottage cheese, dairy products (clarified) and milk are a good complement to an Ayurvedic diet which is beneficial for the treatment of high blood pressure (Siegel, Casper, Schnalke & Hetzer, 1996). • It is better to reduce caffeine intake which is discovered dynamically in pieces, for example coffee. Caffeine further irritates the system and also forces body fluids to become active (Vetter, Glauzer, & Vetter, 1980). • The intake of saline in the diet must be reduced along with a decrease in the intake of cereals and legumes that are consumed (Kaiser, 1999). • Red meat and for demonstration are an unconditional no when trying to balance the doshas and decrease the incidence of high-force attacks of body fluids (Kaiser, 1999). • Avoid beef, for demonstration and salt • Reduce protein intake (Kaiser, 1999) Follow the next proposed vegetarian diet from Baker & Priest (2000): • Vegetables: garlic, lemon, parsley, • Fruits: Indian gooseberries, grapes, watermelon, • Dairy products: Milk, cottage cheese, ghee. • Coffee, which contains caffeine, increases activity,.
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