Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure: An Ayurvedic Approach to Prevention and Management
- Veena Haasl-Blilie
- Jan 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 18
Introduction
Heart disease and high blood pressure (hypertension) are among the leading health concerns world wide. Over 1 billion people have hypertension (high blood pressure), making it the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
In India, according to recent studies, nearly 27% of Indian adults are affected by hypertension, with men slightly more prone than women. (BMC Public Health)
In the U.S., nearly half of adults have cardiovascular disease (CVD). Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure.
"In Australia, millions live with cardiovascular issues, with about 1.3 million adults having heart/stroke/vascular conditions, and roughly 3 million adults reporting hypertension (high blood pressure) as of 2022. Around 1 in 4 adults (23%) have high blood pressure."
Modern lifestyles — high-stress jobs, sedentary routines, processed foods, and irregular sleep — are driving a silent epidemic of cardiovascular issues. While conventional medicine addresses symptoms with medications, Ayurveda offers a holistic, preventive, and natural approach.
This guide explores Ayurvedic insights, herbs, diet, lifestyle practices, and scientific research to manage and prevent heart disease and high blood pressure effectively.
Let's explore Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure: An Ayurvedic Approach to Prevention and Management.
Understanding Heart Disease and Hypertension
Heart disease, known as Hridroga in Ayurveda, encompasses conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart attacks. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it can progress unnoticed until serious complications arise, such as heart attacks or strokes.
Modern Risk Factors
High sodium intake and processed foods
Sedentary lifestyle
Chronic stress and poor sleep
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Genetic predisposition
Ayurveda complements modern medicine by addressing the root causes of heart disease — dosha imbalances, poor digestion (Agni), and toxin accumulation (Ama).
You might also enjoy:
Improve Agni: Your Digestive Fire Is Key To Good Health
Understanding Ama or Toxins in Ayurveda is the Key to Good Health
Ayurvedic Perspective on Heart Health
Ayurveda views heart disease as an imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, leading to impaired circulation, inflammation, and irregular heart function.
Vata imbalance – Causes irregular heartbeat, circulation issues, and nervous system stress
Pitta imbalance – Leads to inflammation, high blood pressure, and arterial damage
Kapha imbalance – Contributes to obesity, cholesterol accumulation, and sluggish metabolism
Hridroga is therefore not just a heart problem; it reflects a deeper imbalance in the body’s doshas. Correcting these imbalances through diet, herbs, and lifestyle practices supports cardiovascular health naturally.
Worth checking out:
Hot List of Common Pitta Imbalances
Wild List of Vata Imbalances
Sturdy List of Kapha Imbalances
Ayurvedic Herbs for Heart Disease & Hypertension
Several Ayurvedic herbs have cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects, validated by research:
1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Strengthens the heart muscle
Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol
Improves circulation and supports overall cardiac function
2. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Dilates blood vessels
Helps maintain healthy blood pressure
Reduces arterial plaque formation
3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Prevents arterial damage
Supports healthy blood flow
4. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Reduces stress and anxiety, major contributors to high blood pressure
Improves nervous system regulation *Herbs are listed for educational purposes only.
Note: "Herbs should be used with guidance from a knowledgeable Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. Ayurveda is effective because it customizes remedies to your individual body, mind, and spirit, rather than applying a universal approach. It provides personalized herbal solutions by taking into account your doshas, Prakruti and Vikruti, agni, ama, life stage, climate, and more. It's about discovering what specifically maintains your balance. It's not simply about feeling stressed or tired and taking ashwagandha; there's more about YOU to consider. Using the wrong herb can lead to dosha imbalances." --Veena, Saumya Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Diet for Heart Health
Diet is a cornerstone of Ayurveda, emphasizing foods that balance doshas and support cardiovascular function.
Key Dietary Guidelines
Limit salt and processed foods: Excess sodium raises blood pressure.
Eat potassium-rich foods: Bananas, spinach, avocado, and coconut water help balance sodium levels.
Include heart-friendly herbs and spices: Garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and coriander.
Balance doshas with food:
Vata: Warm, cooked, grounding meals
Pitta: Cooling foods like melons, cucumbers, fresh herbs
Kapha: Light, fibrous, and mildly spiced foods
More Helpful Reads:
Sample Meal Plan
Breakfast: Warm steel cut oatmeal with nuts and cinnamon
Lunch: Brown rice, sautéed vegetables, lentil soup or kitchari
Snack: Herbal tea
Dinner: Light vegetable soup with steamed vegetables
Lifestyle Practices in Ayurveda
Ayurveda emphasizes Dinacharya (daily routines) to maintain balance and heart health:
1. Yoga and Pranayama
Yoga: Bhujangasana, Setu Bandhasana, and Marjariasana improve circulation and strengthen the heart
Pranayama: Alternate nostril breathing and deep diaphragmatic breathing reduce stress and lower blood pressure
The Best Asana and Pranayama for Your Dosha: A Guide for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
2. Abhyanga (Daily Oil Massage)
Improves microcirculation
Reduces stress and anxiety
Balances Vata dosha, preventing irregular heartbeats
3. Meditation and Diaphragmatic Breathing
Chronic stress triggers sympathetic nervous system overactivity, increasing blood pressure
Daily meditation activates the parasympathetic system, promoting heart relaxation
4. Sleep and Routine
Adequate 7–8 hours of sleep is essential
Going to bed and waking up at consistent times supports heart health
Scientific Research Supporting Ayurveda
Modern studies support the effectiveness of Ayurvedic interventions in cardiovascular health:
Arjuna: Clinical trials show improvements in heart function, reduced blood pressure, and better lipid profiles (PubMed)
Holistic lifestyle interventions: Yoga, meditation, and dietary adjustments may reduce BMI
Ashwagandha and Brahmi: Reduce cortisol levels and regulate blood pressuree
Integrating Ayurveda with conventional care provides preventive and supportive benefits for heart health.
Disclaimer: The herbs mentioned are listed for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.
Actionable Ayurvedic Routine for Heart Health
Morning
Warm water with lemon
10–15 minutes yoga or brisk walking
Abhyanga with sesame or coconut oi. Which oil is best for you depends on your doshic picture.
Midday
Balanced lunch with whole grains, vegetables, and minimal salt
Herbal teas
Evening
15–20 minutes of pranayama such as nadi shodhana and meditation
Light dinner at least 2–3 hours before bed
Ongoing Practices
Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Monitor blood pressure regularly
Consult a physician before starting herbal treatments
FAQs on Ayurveda and Heart Health
Q1: What is Hridroga in Ayurveda? Hridroga refers to any heart-related disorder caused by dosha imbalances, poor digestion, or toxin accumulation.
Q2: Which herbs help reduce high blood pressure naturally? Arjuna, garlic, turmeric, and brahmi are commonly used for supporting heart health and may help lower blood pressure.
Q3: Can Ayurveda prevent heart attacks? Ayurvedic herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices may help reduce risk factors like hypertension, cholesterol, stress, and obesity.
Q4: How does Abhyanga help heart health? Daily oil massage improves circulation, calms the nervous system, and balances Vata dosha, supporting cardiovascular health.
Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure: An Ayurvedic Approach to Prevention and Management
Heart disease and high blood pressure can be prevented and managed naturally by combining Ayurvedic herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices with modern medical care. By addressing dosha imbalances, improving digestion, reducing stress, and supporting circulation, Ayurveda offers a holistic path to long-term heart health.
Begin your journey to a healthier heart today — Book a personalized Ayurvedic consultation and receive a tailored plan for blood pressure management and heart wellness.
“I have been working with Veena on issues including high blood pressure and dry eyes for six months. I have enjoyed significant improvement in both areas (my blood pressure is now in normal range). Along the way Veena has provided education, insights, and practical approaches to lifestyle and diet that will be sustainable in the years to come. I can't recommend working with her enough.”
-Quinton Skinner, Minneapolis, Minnesota
"I have seen Veena at Saumya Ayurveda for several years. In fact, my whole family sees her. She has helped me with blood pressure, cholesterol management, and reducing inflammation. I sleep better, my stress has reduced, and my energy has improved. During a period of high stress, I was waking with a racing heart and the herbal remedies and lifestyle recommendations reversed it. I recommend Veena – she is responsive, comprehensive, and effective." - Brian Stenlund, LP, CEO Stenlund Psychological Services, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
“Veena has performed wonders for me. I struggled with chronic, dangerously high blood pressure that pharmaceuticals couldn't manage. The medications led to disruptive side effects such as fatigue, fainting upon standing, and significant heat intolerance, which hindered my ability to exercise—essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. It was a vicious cycle! My doctor was unable to assist me.
Thankfully, I sought help from Veena at Saumya Ayurveda. She quickly identified stress as the root cause of my high blood pressure. The herbal formula she created for me addressed both the underlying stress and the high blood pressure. I'm pleased to share that my blood pressure is now consistently at 120/70. Thank you Veena.”
-J.V., USA
Discover the Saumya Ayurveda Way
We all want to be heard, understood, and cared for as whole beings, not a set of isolated symptoms. True health is more than the absence of disease, which is why Western medicine so often leaves us feeling hopeless and unseen.
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MEET VEENA: YOUR AYURVEDIC GUIDE
Veena is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and meditation teacher, and monk.
She is President Emeritus and teaching faculty of the Meditation Center.
Veena fell in love with the traditional medicine used in her family’s home, learning herbal remedies at her grandmother's knee.
An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Veena’s deep, intuitive knowledge of Ayurveda empowers her clients to reclaim their fullest, most vibrant lives –mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Veena individualizes treatment plans to each person, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, so it fits your life and becomes woven in your lifestyle, naturally.
Learn more about Veena's work and book your FREE discovery call today.
