Atherosclerosis [Dhamani Pratichaya] in View of Ayurved

Atherosclerosis is a disease condition leading to serious consequences such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. Diet and lifestyle changes are most important for the management of this condition. In this review Ayurvedic understanding of this condition is reported. It is termed as Dhamani pratichay by Charak Samhita and Ashtang Sangraha, as a disease of kapha dosha. Appropriate use of a suitable treatment regimen of kapha dosha is helpful to prevent and combat this disease. Nidanparivarjan [discontinuation of causative food and lifestyle] is necessary to prevent blockages. The specific Ayurvedic etiological factors [hetu], early interventions to prevent the condition have been reviewed in this paper. In severe cases, integrative approach must be used.