Understanding cardiac disease through Ayurvedic principles: a comprehensive review.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52482/ayurline.v10i06.1136Keywords:
hridroga, cardiovascular disease, rasa, atherosclerosis, amaAbstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain a major global health concern with modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and psychological stress contributing to their development. Ayurveda describes Hridroga as a disorder associated with disturbances in Dosha, Agni, Ama and Srotas offering a holistic perspective on cardiovascular health. Aim: To review the Ayurvedic concept of Hridroga and explore its conceptual relationship with cardiovascular diseases exploring the preventive approaches described in Ayurveda literature. Methodology: Reviewing classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya along with their commentaries. Relevant contemporary scientific publications on cardiovascular diseases were analysed. Result and Discussion: Ayurvedic literature describes five types of Hridroga: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja and Krimija Hridroga. Its pathogenesis involves Dosha vitiation, impaired Agni, formation of Ama, vitiation of Rasa Dhatu and localisation of pathological changes in Hridaya. These show potential conceptual parallels with metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, endothelial injury, atherosclerosis and impaired circulation. The Ayurvedic emphasis on dietary regulation, physical activity, psychological well-being and correction of metabolic imbalance is consistent with several principles of contemporary cardiovascular disease prevention. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic understanding of Hridroga provides a holistic framework for exploring cardiovascular health, particularly through the concepts of Agni, Ama, Dosha and Srotas. Thus system of Ayurveda plays a vital role in preventive cardiology.
References
1.World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2025 [cited 2026 Jun 3]. Available from: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-%28cvds%29
2.Mensah GA, Fuster V, Murray CJL, Roth GA. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks, 1990–2022. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023;82(25):2350-2373.
3.Mensah GA, Myers T, Schmelzer R Jr, Spaeth S, Roth GA, Fuster V. Turning Data Into Action: The JACC Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks Interactive Tool and Resources. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024;83(24).
4.World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Cardiovascular diseases. Copenhagen: WHO Europe; 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/cardiovascular-diseases
5.Kaviraj Sen Govinddasa, Bhaishjyaratnavali, edited with Hindi Commentary by Bhisagratna Mishra Brahmshaankar and Shastri Rajeshwaradatta, Chaukha Prakashan, Varanasi, Reprint 2013, Ch 33/68-74, page no 695-696.
6.Agnivesha, Charaka, Charaka Samhita Vidyotini Hindi commentary elaborated by Shastri Kasinath and Gauraknath Chaturvedi, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi, reprint 2013; Volume 1, Siddhisthana 2/13, page no 681.
7. Murthy ARV, Singh RH. Ayurvedic concept of Hridroga: its present relevance. Anc Sci Life. 1993;12(3-4), page no 403-413.
8. Agnivesa, Trimarmaya Adhyay. In,Acharaya Vidhyadhar Shukla, Ravidatta Tripathi (ed.), Charak Samhita-II, First edition, New Delhi, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan,year-; 636-637.
9. Madhava Nidana. Madhukosha Commentary, Hridroga Nidana, Chapter 29, Verse 1.
10. Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Ashtodariyam Adhyaya,19/4, page no 285.
11. Sushruta, Uttar tantra-42. In, Ambikadatta shastri(ed.), Sushruta Samhita-II,edition-II, New Delhi, Chaukakhambha Publications; 2009.
12. Sharma A, Shushrut Samhita of Maharshri Shushrut: Uttara tantra, 43/4. Varanasi, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana, 2015: p 350
13. Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Sthana, Hridroga Pratisheda Adhyaya, Chapter 43, Verse 4.
14. World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 [cited 2026 Jun 3]. Available from: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-%28cvds%29
15. Ankita, Marolia P, Prakash V, Thalore R. Traditional understanding of Ama and its relevance to chronic inflammatory diseases. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2026;11(5):383-7. doi:10.21760/jaims.11.5.52.
16. Menon M, Salethoor SN, Madathil T. Understanding Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Light of Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2025;16(5):101186. The authors correlate Kaphaja Hridroga, Dhamani Pratichaya, Meda accumulation, and Srotorodha with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
17. Gupta S, Yadav SS. A critical review of inter-relationship between Sthaulya and Prameha in light of Ayurvedic literature. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2022;17(2):154-161
18. Rana D, Susmita S, Kar AC. Critical review on Hrudaya (Heart) and Hrudroga (Cardiovascular disorders) and its Nidana (Causative factors). J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2022;7(6): page no 93.
19. Rani RV, Hirulal M. A review on etiopathogenesis of Santarpana and Apatarpana Janya Vyadhi. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2023;8(3):129-133. doi:10.21760/jaims.8.3.24.
20. Młynarska E, Czarnik W, Fularski P, Hajdys J, Majchrowicz G, Stabrawa M, et al. From atherosclerotic plaque to myocardial infarction—the leading cause of coronary artery occlusion. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(13):7295. doi:10.3390/ijms25137295.
21. Murthy ARV, Singh RH. Ayurvedic concept of Hridroga: its present relevance. Anc Sci Life. 1993;12(3-4), page no 403-413.
22.Sharma K, Chaudhary N. A review on genetics from an Ayurvedic perspective with special focus on Beeja, Beejabhaga and Beejabhagavayava. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2025;10(10):131-136. doi:10.21760/jaims.10.10.17.
23. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhitha, Chikitsa sthana 30/42-63. Translated by Sharma R K, Das B. Varanasi: Chaukambha series;1983.
24. Moharana P., Roushan R. A Critical Review of Vyana Vayu in the Modern Physiological Perspective. International Journal of Basic and Applied Research, 2019.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
I Â declare (on behalf of me and my co-authors) that the submitted manuscript titled has not previously been published and is not currently being considered elsewhere for publication in another journal and that I am (we are) the sole owner(s) of the manuscript thereof and of all rights, title, and interest therein. All agreed to the terms and conditions, Privacy Policy, which is declared on Journal Website http://www.ayurline.in and online filled (uploaded) form.
Please read following declaration cum Agreement Carefully.:
I declare (on behalf of me and my co-authors) that the submitted manuscript titled has not previously been published and is not currently being considered elsewhere for publication in another journal and that I am (we are) the sole owner(s) of the manuscript thereof and of all rights, title, and interest therein.
I (We) agree (on behalf of me and my co-authors) to the following:
1- I (we) hereby assign to the publisher of the journal. Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) the right to (Electronically and print) publish on website www.ayurline.in and distribute the said manuscript and to create a derivative print work from the said manuscript. The assignment shall be effective so long as the manuscript is available on online networks.
2- I (we) shall remain the owner of the copyright in said manuscript. I (we) may publish the manuscript in any other journal or medium but such publication must include the notice that the manuscript was first published by Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) Journals including reference to the corresponding issue.
3- I (we) agree to hold the publisher of the Journal, Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) harmless for any unauthorized use of the paper by the journal subscribers.
4- I (we) confirm that I (we) have obtained all the necessary all permissions to include in the paper items such as quotations, figures, and the results of government-sponsored research/private or individual publishers/owners.
5- I (we) enclose where necessary written permission of authors and publishers to use any copyright material (previously published figures and tables).
6- I (we) confirm that after the publication of my (our) manuscript in Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM), the publisher has the sole authority of the paper/Research Article. The publisher has the authority to use the content of the whole paper or part of it, in an edited book, or other mediums or withdraw (unpublish) the article without the permission of authors.
8- If I / We found victims of plagiarism, (e.g. text, images, videos etc.) I/ We sole responsible for such legal matters. I/We also declared that the Chief Editor/Publisher, Editorial Board of this Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) Journal does not have any responsibility for plagiarism. Publisher shall not become any party in any legal matter and if any case is filed in court against plagiarisms or any copyright-related issues all expenses/Penalties should be paid/borne by me/we (Authors). I shall be obliged to pay all the costs of the court case if any happened in future.
7 -I voluntarily agreed to pay the necessary non-refundable evaluation fees of the my article, which are not the publication Charges.
8 - All disputes subject to Kurla, Mumbai court jurisdiction. This Copyright Licensing Agreement comes into force the day of sending this completed electronic form.
